Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Brown University

Brown's biochemistry program graduates carry remarkably low debt—just $12,787, which puts them in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with more debt). This is less than half the national median of $23,000 for this major. The first-year earnings of $43,637, while above the national median, translate to an exceptionally manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29. In practical terms, graduates could theoretically pay off their entire debt burden with less than four months of gross income.

The data here comes with an important caveat: the sample size is under 30 graduates, so individual circumstances can skew the numbers significantly. That said, the debt figure aligns with Brown's broader institutional pattern—despite its 5% acceptance rate and elite status, the university seems to provide substantial financial aid (though only 13% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting a wealthy student body). The first-year earnings figure trails what you might expect from such a selective institution, but biochemistry graduates often pursue graduate school or postdoctoral positions that compress early-career earnings.

For parents: the minimal debt load is the story here. Even if your child pursues the advanced degrees common in this field, they won't be starting from a deep financial hole. Just remember these numbers may not hold for larger cohorts.