Biochemical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
68 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
69
Optimistic
68
Base Case
66
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,668/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 2 Biochemical Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $913K $874K $757K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.9x 13.3x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.2x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 69 68 66

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,516
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,194
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $70,668/yr, Biochemical Engineering graduates from University of Colorado Boulder land near the $68,934 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biochemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,516 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Biochemical Engineering is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. University of Colorado Boulder's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

A 40% earnings increase from $70,668 to $99,194 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, with 31,578 students enrolled in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Chemical engineers $121,860/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biochemical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 68/100, University of Colorado Boulder's Biochemical Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →