Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Doane University

Starting at $38,000 while carrying $25,500 in debt reflects the reality that biochemistry bachelor's degrees typically serve as stepping stones rather than terminal credentials. Based on national patterns for similar programs, this 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—but only if your student already knows whether they're heading to graduate school, medical school, or directly into the workforce.

The challenge with Doane's program is the uncertainty itself. With Nebraska's only reported outcome showing biochemistry grads at $33,520 (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), and peer programs nationally clustering around $38,000, you're looking at entry-level wages that make sense for research technicians or lab positions but won't comfortably support both debt repayment and additional education expenses. The estimated debt here is slightly above the national median for these programs, which matters if your student needs several more years of schooling before their career truly launches.

For families considering this path: understand that biochemistry degrees at this level typically require further specialization. If your student is genuinely committed to graduate work in the sciences and Doane offers the research opportunities and faculty mentorship to make that competitive, the debt load won't sink them. But if there's any ambiguity about next steps after graduation, that $25,500 becomes harder to justify when larger programs in Nebraska might offer similar preparation at lower cost.