Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Dartmouth College

A biochemistry degree from one of America's most selective colleges—6% admission rate, 1533 average SAT—might seem like a guaranteed investment, but the estimated first-year earnings of $38,000 tell a more sobering story. That figure, drawn from national peer programs, falls well below the $47,000 median for similar programs in New Hampshire, suggesting that Dartmouth's biochemistry graduates may be following different paths than those staying in the workforce immediately after graduation. The estimated debt load of $25,000 represents about eight months of those first-year earnings, which is manageable on paper but requires careful consideration given the relatively modest starting salary.

The key question is whether these estimates reflect graduates pursuing medical school, PhD programs, or research positions that initially pay less but lead to higher long-term earnings. At institutions like Dartmouth, many life sciences majors treat the bachelor's as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. If your child plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation, programs at less selective schools might offer better immediate returns. If graduate or professional school is the plan, the estimation uncertainty here matters less—you're really investing in the platform for what comes next, not the bachelor's degree earnings themselves.