Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Kennesaw State University

Starting at $30,000 is rough for any degree, but particularly for a STEM field where lab skills should command more. Kennesaw State's biochemistry program lands in the bottom fifth nationally for first-year earnings, and while it sits at the 40th percentile within Georgia, that's partly because the state's biochemistry programs generally underperform—even UGA and Georgia Tech aren't breaking into exceptional territory. The $26,000 in debt matches the state median but feels heavy against that initial salary.

The 60% earnings jump to $48,000 by year four offers some reassurance that graduates eventually find their footing, likely moving into positions that better utilize their technical training. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few outliers—a couple of grad school admits or career changers could drag the average down considerably.

For parents considering this investment: understand that biochemistry degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate or professional programs rather than immediate career endpoints. If your child plans to work directly after graduation, they should be prepared for a financially tight first few years. The program might work for students committed to staying in Georgia and eventually pursuing advanced degrees, but those seeking immediate STEM-level salaries would likely find better returns at more specialized programs elsewhere.