Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Boston College

Boston College's biochemistry program presents an unusual paradox: it performs well nationally but lags significantly within Massachusetts. While graduates earn above the national median for biochemistry majors ($42,474 vs. $38,036), they fall below the state median of $47,410—ranking only in the 40th percentile among Massachusetts programs. This matters because BC competes directly with state schools like UMass-Amherst and UMass-Boston, both of which report higher graduate earnings despite less selective admissions. The debt load of $19,000 is manageable and below both state and national medians, but the modest 6% earnings growth to year four suggests limited career momentum in the critical early years.

For a family paying private school tuition at a highly selective institution (16% acceptance rate, 1501 average SAT), these outcomes deserve scrutiny. Graduates from nearby Northeastern earn 50% more just one year out, and even less selective state universities are producing better earnings results in this field. The relatively low percentage of Pell Grant students (13%) suggests most families are paying substantial out-of-pocket costs for returns that don't match the institution's overall prestige.

The bottom line: if your child is considering BC for biochemistry specifically, compare the net cost carefully against public alternatives. The BC brand may carry weight in other fields, but in life sciences, this program isn't delivering the premium outcomes you'd expect from such a selective school.