Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Manhattanville University

With estimated debt of $26,000 against first-year earnings around $36,800, this biochemistry program sits right at the New York state median—but that's before considering what many graduates do next. Life sciences majors often pursue graduate or professional school, which makes that debt load particularly relevant; it's manageable if your child heads straight to work, but becomes one piece of a larger financial puzzle if medical school or a PhD is in the plans.

The figures here come from comparable biochemistry programs at similar New York schools, since Manhattanville's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. What peer programs suggest is that this field produces modest early earnings relative to the investment—the 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe about 70% of their first year's salary. Compare that to top performers in the state: Vassar and CUNY City College graduates start around $44,000-$45,000, giving them more breathing room with their loan payments or more flexibility to pursue additional education.

The real consideration is opportunity cost. At 85% admission, Manhattanville is accessible, but public options like SUNY Geneseo produce similar early earnings at substantially lower cost for New York residents. If your child is certain about biochemistry and competitive for more selective programs, those deliver meaningfully better financial starting points. If grad school is likely, minimizing undergraduate debt should be the priority.