Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $46,514 at Washington State University come in 23% above the national median of $37,918 for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs.
With a 11.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 9% 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.
With first-year pay of $46,514 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Washington State University ranks #30 among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 31% earnings increase from $46,514 to $60,741 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.