Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Plymouth State University

Based on comparable molecular biology programs nationwide, Plymouth State graduates can expect first-year earnings around $38,000—significantly below the $47,000 that University of New Hampshire produces for the same degree. That $9,000 gap matters when you're a biochemistry graduate likely heading to graduate school or competing for lab positions that often require advanced credentials to reach meaningful salary levels.

The estimated $22,250 debt load is actually lighter than typical for this field, translating to a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's good news, though it's worth noting these figures come from national peer programs rather than Plymouth State's actual graduates. For a bachelor's in molecular biology—which rarely serves as a terminal degree—keeping debt modest is crucial since many students will need to finance additional education. The real question isn't whether this debt is reasonable for entry-level science work, but whether it positions graduates well for the next step, whether that's graduate school, medical school, or research positions.

The practical calculation: if your child is genuinely committed to molecular biology and plans to pursue graduate work, Plymouth State's lower estimated debt could offset the earnings disadvantage. But if they're uncertain about the field or hoping to enter the workforce directly after graduation, programs that produce higher initial earnings—like UNH—might justify their additional cost through better career positioning in New Hampshire's biotech and healthcare sectors.