Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree) at Freed-Hardeman University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,037

Est. from national median (136 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$25,489

Est. from national median (60 programs)

Analysis

A debt load near $25,500 positions this program right at the national median for biochemistry bachelor's degrees, but national peer programs suggest first-year earnings around $38,000—significantly above what other Tennessee biochemistry graduates typically earn. The state median sits at just $26,000, with reported outcomes from MTSU and Lipscomb falling in the $23,000-$29,000 range. If Freed-Hardeman's graduates actually track closer to these Tennessee benchmarks rather than the national estimate, the debt picture becomes considerably less manageable.

The 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio appears reasonable on paper, falling well below the 1.0 threshold that signals potential repayment strain. However, this calculation assumes outcomes align with national rather than regional patterns. Biochemistry degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or professional programs rather than immediate career entry points. If your child plans to continue their education, that $25,500 will compound with additional borrowing. If they're entering the workforce directly and earnings land closer to Tennessee's typical $26,000, monthly loan payments will consume a much larger share of take-home pay than the national estimate suggests.

Given Freed-Hardeman's relatively open admissions and the wide variation in Tennessee biochemistry outcomes, treat the favorable national figures with caution. The program could perform well, but without actual graduate data, you're banking on outcomes that may not reflect this institution's specific placement patterns or regional employer demand.

Where Freed-Hardeman University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson	$25,000	$38,037*	—	$25,489*	—
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro	$9,506	$28,642*	$54,464	$17,000*	0.59
Lipscomb UniversityNashville	$38,824	$23,075*	—	$24,619*	1.07
National Median	—	$38,036*	—	$23,000*	0.60

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Freed-Hardeman University, approximately 22% 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 national median of 136 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.