Analysis
Clark's estimated $47,410 first-year earnings for biochemistry graduates—derived from the median of seven Massachusetts programs—lands right at the state median, though well above the national benchmark of $38,036. With actual debt of $26,853 (8th percentile nationally, meaning lower than 92% of similar programs), the 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests this program won't saddle students with crushing loans. However, the estimation reflects sparse graduate data, signaling either a small cohort or reporting limitations that make outcomes harder to verify.
The debt picture is genuinely strong—Clark biochemistry graduates carry less debt than 92% of their national peers—but the earnings estimate warrants caution. Similar Massachusetts programs produce a wide range, from Northeastern's $63,781 to UMass-Amherst's $44,324, and without Clark-specific data, it's unclear where their graduates actually land. If your child is using this degree as a springboard to graduate school (common for biochemistry majors), the moderate debt load becomes especially valuable. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, the estimated earnings may feel modest given Clark's selective profile and the field's technical demands.
The takeaway: Clark's biochemistry program appears financially reasonable based on peer comparisons, particularly given the manageable debt burden. But parents should probe what happens to Clark's specific graduates—graduate school placement rates, research opportunities, and alumni outcomes—since the estimated earnings don't tell the full story of this program's actual value.
Where Clark University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,160 | $47,410* | — | $26,853 | — | |
| $63,141 | $63,781* | $84,199 | $23,250 | 0.36 | |
| $38,850 | $51,942* | — | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| $15,496 | $50,352* | $62,572 | $24,996 | 0.50 | |
| $64,946 | $47,410* | — | $27,000 | 0.57 | |
| $17,357 | $44,324* | $65,089 | $25,916 | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $38,036* | — | $23,000 | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Microbiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
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 Clark University, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.