Analysis
Based on comparable biochemistry programs in Illinois, first-year earnings around $38,400 align almost exactly with both state and national medians—this is a field where outcomes cluster tightly across institutions. The estimated debt of $25,500 sits just slightly above typical borrowing for this major, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that falls within manageable territory for STEM graduates.
What makes interpretation tricky here is that biochemistry often serves as a launching pad rather than a destination. Many graduates continue to medical, pharmacy, or graduate programs where the real earnings payoff materializes years later. If your child is pre-med or planning advanced study, first-year earnings matter less than research opportunities and professional school acceptance rates—factors this data can't capture. For those entering the workforce directly, these salary estimates suggest entry-level lab technician or research assistant positions that may not justify four years of private college tuition unless Quincy offers substantial financial aid.
The estimated figures tell you this program performs neither dramatically better nor worse than peer institutions, but they can't tell you what matters most: whether Quincy's specific program will position your child well for their next step. Before committing, nail down actual graduate school placement rates and verify that financial aid brings the net cost substantially below the sticker price.
Where Quincy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,740 | $38,436* | — | $25,489* | — | |
| $51,716 | $38,487* | $60,325 | $25,000* | 0.65 | |
| $49,834 | $38,436* | — | $27,000* | 0.70 | |
| $14,338 | $34,308* | $53,560 | $15,000* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $38,036* | — | $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 Quincy University, approximately 30% 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 3 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.