Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,410
95th percentile
60th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$27,000
17% above national median

Analysis

Brandeis's biochemistry program places graduates well above most programs nationally, but the limited sample size (under 30 students) means these outcomes could shift significantly year to year. At $47,410, first-year earnings match the Massachusetts median but trail stronger regional options like Northeastern ($63,781) and MCPHS ($51,942). Given Brandeis's selectivity and academic reputation, some families might expect their graduate to land closer to the top of the state range.

The debt picture looks manageable: $27,000 represents just 57% of first-year earnings, and it's lower than 95% of similar programs nationwide. For a private institution charging premium tuition, keeping debt under $30,000 is noteworthy. The real question is whether these early earnings translate into the kind of career trajectory that justifies Brandeis's investment—something the available data can't yet confirm with this cohort size.

For parents, this comes down to fit and financial aid. If your student receives substantial aid bringing costs in line with this debt level, the program offers solid fundamentals with low debt risk. But if you're weighing full-pay options, recognize that other Massachusetts schools are launching biochemistry graduates into higher starting salaries. The small sample means you're making this decision with incomplete information about typical outcomes.

Where Brandeis University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Brandeis University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Brandeis UniversityWaltham$64,946$47,410$27,0000.57
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$63,781$84,199$23,2500.36
MCPHS UniversityBoston$38,850$51,942$27,0000.52
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston$15,496$50,352$62,572$24,9960.50
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst$17,357$44,324$65,089$25,9160.58
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$42,850$63,204$26,0000.61
National Median$38,036$23,0000.60

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

$87,330/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Brandeis University, approximately 14% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.