Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,790
66th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$23,250
1% above national median

Analysis

Central Connecticut State University's biochemistry program proves you don't need an elite admissions profile to achieve solid molecular biology outcomes. Starting at $41,790—about 10% above the national median for this field—graduates see their earnings jump 31% to nearly $55,000 by year four, outpacing the typical trajectory for biochemistry majors. Within Connecticut's competitive landscape of 16 programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most state alternatives despite CCSU's 76% admission rate and mid-range student profile.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition: at $23,250, graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, below the Connecticut median of $24,625 and nearly identical to the national benchmark. For a biochemistry degree—a field that often requires graduate school or technical training—this manageable debt load provides crucial flexibility. The steady earnings growth suggests graduates are finding their footing in labs, pharmaceutical companies, or moving into technical roles where the degree commands better compensation over time.

For parents weighing Connecticut options, CCSU delivers biochemistry outcomes that match or exceed what you'd find at most in-state competitors, without the debt burden or admission barriers of more selective programs. The combination of accessible entry, controlled costs, and above-average career momentum makes this a practical choice for students serious about molecular biology careers.

Where Central Connecticut State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Central Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Central Connecticut State University$41,790$54,629+31%
Northeastern University$63,781$84,199+32%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$44,101$76,667+74%
University of Southern California$34,468$72,935+112%
University of San Diego$48,728$70,621+45%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$41,790$54,629$23,2500.56
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$63,781$84,199$23,2500.36
California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos$7,739$57,682$16,6660.29
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$57,538$56,972$17,5000.30
MCPHS UniversityBoston$38,850$51,942$27,0000.52
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$50,474$51,989$20,1850.40
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 Central Connecticut State University, approximately 35% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.