Analysis
A Bachelor's in Biochemistry from Millsaps carries an estimated $25,489 in debtβabove the state median but roughly in line with what similar private institutions report nationally. Peer programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $38,000, which is where Millsaps appears to track. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.67, a manageable level that suggests graduates could reasonably service their loans. However, it's worth noting that Mississippi's biochemistry market runs cooler than the national picture: the two largest public programs in the state report first-year earnings of $30,565 and $24,972, well below what comparable programs produce elsewhere.
The bigger question is trajectory. Biochemistry degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, or research sciences rather than terminal credentials. If your child plans to continue their education, that additional debt will compound. If they're entering the workforce directly, the estimated $38,000 starting point provides breathing room for loan repayment but may not compete with what they'd find in states with stronger biotech sectors.
For families weighing this program, the modest selectivity (49% admission rate) and 36% Pell enrollment suggest Millsaps serves a broad student base, which could mean variable post-graduation outcomes. The lack of school-specific data here makes it essential to ask Millsaps directly about graduate school placement rates and first-destination employment outcomes before committing.
Where Millsaps College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,815 | $38,037* | β | $25,489* | β | |
| $9,815 | $30,565* | $53,750 | $24,838* | 0.81 | |
| $9,412 | $24,972* | β | $18,000* | 0.72 | |
| National Median | β | $38,036* | β | $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 Millsaps College, approximately 36% 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 national median of 136 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.