Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,025/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 50%

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 $545K $540K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.5x 13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,166
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,230
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,025/yr, edging above the $37,918 national average for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

At $20,166 in median debt against $42,025 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #36 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, Western Washington University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $42,025 to $55,230 over five years — a 31% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Western Washington University?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $501,288 in decade earnings vs $544,595 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →