Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,623
5th percentile
25th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$22,250
3% below national median

Analysis

Georgia Tech's biochemistry program shows an unusual earnings pattern that demands careful interpretation, especially given the small sample size. That $25,623 first-year figure—sitting at just the 5th percentile nationally—likely reflects something specific about this cohort: perhaps an unusual number heading to graduate school, medical school, or research positions with initially modest stipends. By year four, earnings jump to $63,773, doubling the national median and outpacing UGA's graduates by nearly $30,000.

The debt load of $22,250 is reasonable and below Georgia's state median of $26,000. Combined with Georgia Tech's 16% acceptance rate and 1447 average SAT, this program attracts exceptionally strong students who may be playing a longer game. However, that 25th percentile ranking within Georgia suggests other in-state biochemistry programs might offer more immediate career launch, particularly if your student isn't planning graduate school.

The small sample size is critical here—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a handful of career choices can swing these numbers dramatically. For families comfortable with their child potentially pursuing advanced degrees or research fellowships initially, the eventual earnings trajectory looks strong. But if your student needs immediate income after graduation, other Georgia Tech programs or even UGA's biochemistry track might provide more predictable returns.

Where Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus$25,623$63,773+149%
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%
Kennesaw State University$29,938$47,924+60%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta$11,764$25,623$63,773$22,2500.87
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$34,212$24,8040.73
Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro$5,905$33,408$28,1570.84
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$29,938$47,924$26,0000.87
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 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.