Analysis
Lincoln University's biochemistry program faces a challenging reality: based on comparable programs in Pennsylvania, graduates can expect around $35,305 in first-year earnings—nearly $3,000 below the national median for this major. With an estimated $26,558 in debt, new graduates would be allocating roughly three-quarters of their first-year income to a standard 10-year loan repayment. For context, Temple and Saint Joseph's graduates in this field earn $10,000-$11,000 more annually, which translates to meaningful breathing room in early-career budgets.
The numbers suggest this program may struggle with the same challenges facing the institution overall—a 984 average SAT and 78% admission rate indicate Lincoln serves students who might need additional academic support, yet the science major curriculum demands rigor that can be difficult to deliver without substantial resources. With two-thirds of students on Pell grants, many families are already stretching financially, making the debt load particularly concerning when paired with below-median earnings.
For families considering this investment: if your child is drawn to biochemistry specifically at Lincoln—perhaps for cultural fit, location, or support systems—understand you're betting on outcomes that peer programs suggest will be modest. The debt is manageable but leaves little cushion if graduate school plans change or career launch takes longer than expected. Stronger students might find better value at PA programs with documented higher earnings, particularly if those schools offer competitive financial aid.
Where Lincoln University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (59 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,512 | $35,305* | — | $26,558* | — | |
| $22,082 | $45,994* | $49,730 | $25,500* | 0.55 | |
| $51,340 | $44,442* | — | —* | — | |
| $59,196 | $40,294* | — | —* | — | |
| $63,475 | $35,305* | — | $19,000* | 0.54 | |
| $21,524 | $33,554* | — | $26,558* | 0.79 | |
| National Median | — | $38,036* | — | $23,000* | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Microbiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
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 Lincoln University, approximately 66% 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 median of 7 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.