Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,308/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #71 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $667K $653K $586K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.6x 11.4x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.6x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,723
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,840
92% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,308 track close to the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,723 in median debt against $34,308 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #71 ranking among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs places University of Illinois Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,308-to-$65,840 earnings arc over five years reflects a 92% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 21,814 students in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Illinois Chicago?
The 45% 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 →