Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree) at Mount Holyoke College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$47,410

Est. from MA median (7 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,853

Est. from MA median (7 programs)

Analysis

Mount Holyoke's biochemistry program sits in challenging territory. Based on comparable programs in Massachusetts, first-year earnings around $47,400 against estimated debt of nearly $27,000 create a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57—manageable but not comfortable. The national median for this field is just $38,000, meaning Massachusetts programs generally outperform their peers elsewhere, but Mount Holyoke's outcomes appear middle-of-the-pack within the state. Programs at Northeastern and MCPHS push significantly higher starting salaries, while Mount Holyoke tracks closer to UMass-Amherst despite its selective admission profile and higher tuition.

The real question is whether Mount Holyoke's distinctive advantages—small classes, research opportunities, and its women's college network—justify paying private school prices for outcomes that mirror state median performance. For students planning graduate school in the life sciences (common for this major), these first-year earnings may understate long-term value, as many biochemistry graduates pursue advanced degrees before entering the workforce fully. However, that additional education means more debt and delayed earnings.

Given the uncertainty inherent in these estimates, families should request placement data directly from Mount Holyoke's career services, particularly regarding graduate school acceptance rates and outcomes for students entering the workforce immediately. The difference between estimated and actual outcomes could swing this calculation significantly in either direction.

Where Mount Holyoke College Stands

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Mount Holyoke CollegeSouth Hadley	$64,142	$47,410*	—	$26,853*	—
Northeastern UniversityBoston	$63,141	$63,781*	$84,199	$23,250*	0.36
MCPHS UniversityBoston	$38,850	$51,942*	—	$27,000*	0.52
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston	$15,496	$50,352*	$62,572	$24,996*	0.50
Brandeis UniversityWaltham	$64,946	$47,410*	—	$27,000*	0.57
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst	$17,357	$44,324*	$65,089	$25,916*	0.58
National Median	—	$38,036*	—	$23,000*	0.60

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Mount Holyoke College, approximately 20% 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 MA. Actual outcomes may vary.