Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,942
95th percentile
60th percentile in Massachusetts
Median Debt
$27,000
17% above national median

Analysis

MCPHS's biochemistry program produces striking first-year earnings of $51,942—nearly $10,000 above Massachusetts' median for this major and $14,000 above the national average. That 95th percentile national ranking suggests something's working, likely the school's healthcare and pharmaceutical focus opening doors that general research universities can't match. However, the 60th percentile state ranking tells a more nuanced story: while competitive in Massachusetts, this program trails the state's research powerhouses like Northeastern and UMass Boston.

The $27,000 median debt sits at just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt), making this one of the more affordable paths to a biochemistry degree. Combined with the $51,942 starting salary, graduates face a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio—they're borrowing about half their first year's income, which should allow reasonable repayment timelines.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary significantly. Still, for families weighing biochemistry programs, MCPHS offers a compelling blend of reasonable debt and strong early earnings, particularly if your child's interested in pharmaceutical or clinical laboratory careers rather than academic research. The value proposition looks solid, assuming these outcomes hold with larger cohorts.

Where MCPHS University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How MCPHS University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (30 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
MCPHS UniversityBoston$38,850$51,942$27,0000.52
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$63,781$84,199$23,2500.36
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston$15,496$50,352$62,572$24,9960.50
Brandeis UniversityWaltham$64,946$47,410$27,0000.57
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst$17,357$44,324$65,089$25,9160.58
Boston UniversityBoston$65,168$42,850$63,204$26,0000.61
National Median$38,036$23,0000.60

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

$103,650/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

$87,330/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

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 MCPHS University, approximately 28% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.