Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Cedarville University

Biochemistry programs in Ohio show a wide spread in outcomes, and Cedarville's estimated first-year earnings of $36,427 land right at the state median—though well behind University of Cincinnati graduates who earn $48,348. The estimated debt load of $23,926 produces a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio, roughly in line with what you'd expect to borrow for one year's salary. For context, Case Western Reserve graduates in this field start at just $22,390 despite attending a highly selective institution, suggesting this degree path can be unpredictable regardless of school prestige.

The challenge here isn't the debt burden itself but what biochemistry graduates typically face: many need graduate school to access higher-paying roles in research or medicine. That $36,000 starting salary often represents lab technician or quality control work rather than the research positions students envision when they choose this major. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, they'll need realistic expectations about entry-level lab positions. If graduate school is the goal, adding more debt on top of this estimated $24,000 changes the calculation significantly.

Given the data limitations and the field's graduate-school-dependent career path, focus your due diligence on Cedarville's track record for getting biochem graduates into quality graduate programs or professional schools. Those placement rates matter more here than first-year earnings.