Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Otterbein University

Otterbein's biochemistry program sits at a challenging intersection: similar programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $36,400, while graduates here carry nearly $24,000 in debt. That 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly eight months of pre-tax income goes toward student loans—manageable on paper, but tight when you're earning less than $37,000. The debt load itself is typical for the field nationally, but the estimated earnings lag behind what students at schools like University of Cincinnati ($48,300) or even Ohio State are likely seeing.

The uncertainty here matters. Because Otterbein's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish, we're relying on a three-program state median that may not reflect this school's actual outcomes. Biochemistry degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or medical training rather than immediate career launches, which could explain the modest first-year figures. But if your child plans to enter the workforce directly, these peer-program earnings suggest they'll face a financially constrained start—especially compared to Ohio programs with stronger industry pipelines or research opportunities.

The practical question: can your family afford the possibility that outcomes fall short of these estimates? If graduate school is the plan anyway, the debt is reasonable. If not, the estimated returns from comparable programs suggest limited financial cushion in those critical early years.