Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Holy Family University

Based on comparable biochemistry programs in Pennsylvania, Holy Family graduates can expect to earn around $35,305 in their first year—well below what students at nearby Temple ($45,994) or Saint Joseph's ($44,442) achieve, and also trailing the national median of $38,036. The estimated $27,000 in debt is manageable on paper, but when your first-year income barely covers rent and living expenses in the Philadelphia area, even moderate debt becomes a burden. This field typically requires graduate education for meaningful career advancement, meaning these figures may represent only the beginning of a longer educational investment.

What makes this estimate particularly concerning is that biochemistry is a competitive field where the school's resources and research opportunities significantly impact outcomes. With a 74% admission rate and average SAT of 1030, Holy Family serves a different student population than the regional programs with stronger earnings. The 40% Pell grant rate suggests many students here are already stretching financially—accumulating debt for below-average starting salaries in a science field compounds that challenge.

If your child is set on biochemistry and plans to pursue graduate school immediately, the debt load here is at least reasonable compared to other PA programs. But if they'll need to work first to fund further education, peer programs suggest those first years will be financially tight. Consider whether Holy Family offers research opportunities and graduate school placement rates that justify starting behind peers at other institutions.