Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's biochemistry program shows first-year earnings of just $25,819—roughly $9,000 below Virginia's median for this degree and $12,000 below the national average. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, the gap is large enough to warrant serious consideration. Even among Virginia programs where students might expect lower earnings than at research powerhouses, this ranks only in the 25th percentile. For comparison, Virginia Tech graduates in this field start at $36,000, a 39% premium.

The debt load of $23,500 sits right at national norms, but becomes problematic when paired with those low starting salaries. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary—manageable for engineers or pharmacists, but tight for someone earning under $26,000. The 37% Pell grant rate suggests many students here are counting on this degree to improve their economic mobility, which makes the earnings gap particularly concerning.

The small sample creates uncertainty, but it also raises questions: Are most biochemistry graduates at ODU pursuing paths that defer earnings (graduate school, low-paying research positions)? Even accounting for that possibility, starting $12,000 behind the national average creates financial pressure that compounds quickly. Unless your child has specific reasons to pursue this program at ODU—location requirements, established research relationships—the numbers suggest looking at Virginia's other options or reconsidering the major choice altogether.