Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Lipscomb University

Lipscomb's biochemistry program graduates earn $23,075 in their first year—nearly 40% below the national median and even lagging behind Tennessee's modest state average of $25,858. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, the gap is substantial enough to warrant serious attention. Even Middle Tennessee State's graduates, starting at $28,642, earn roughly $5,500 more annually. The 5th percentile national ranking signals this program trails nearly every comparable biochemistry degree in the country.

The debt load of $24,619 slightly exceeds national norms but seems manageable in isolation. The real concern emerges when paired with those first-year earnings: graduates face debt equal to 107% of their annual income. That's a challenging position for someone likely pursuing graduate school or entry-level lab work. While Tennessee biochemistry programs generally show lower earnings than the national average, Lipscomb's graduates fall short even by in-state standards.

The small cohort size makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions—a few students pursuing unpaid research fellowships or gap years before medical school could skew the numbers dramatically. However, if your child is considering this program for direct workforce entry after graduation, approach with caution. At this price point, you'd want clearer evidence of competitive outcomes, particularly when other Tennessee options appear to deliver better returns.