Est. Earnings (1yr)
$41,458
Est. from NJ median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,500
Est. from NJ median (4 programs)

Analysis

Rider's biochemistry program faces a fundamental challenge: first-year earnings from comparable New Jersey programs hover around $41,500—barely above the national median—while estimated debt of $26,500 sits noticeably higher than what most biochemistry graduates in the state carry. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means your child would be dedicating a substantial portion of their first year's salary to loan payments while competing with graduates from nearby Rutgers campuses who earn similar amounts but typically carry less debt.

The limited data here tells its own story. When a program's outcomes can't be reported publicly because too few students graduate, that raises questions about institutional commitment and career networking opportunities that matter enormously in the sciences. Biochemistry careers often require graduate school or extensive lab experience to reach meaningful salaries—those early connections and research opportunities can make or break a trajectory. Without confirmed outcomes specific to Rider, you're essentially betting on the program's ability to match what other New Jersey schools deliver, despite potentially smaller cohorts and fewer established industry pipelines.

Before committing to this debt level, find out exactly how many students complete this degree each year, where they land their first jobs or graduate programs, and whether the science facilities and faculty mentorship justify choosing Rider over more established options in the state. The numbers suggest you're paying a premium for uncertain outcomes.

Where Rider University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$41,458*$26,500*
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$46,122*$69,829$24,250*0.53
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$46,122*$69,829$24,250*0.53
Princeton UniversityPrinceton$59,710$41,848**
Montclair State UniversityMontclair$14,766$41,068*$27,000*0.66
Stockton UniversityGalloway$15,532$40,855*$24,125*0.59
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 Rider University, approximately 33% 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 6 similar programs in NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.