Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Roosevelt University

A $25,500 debt load paired with first-year earnings around $38,400—drawn from comparable Illinois biochemistry programs—puts this credential right at the national median for the field, but that's only part of the story. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests manageable repayment, yet biochemistry bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than terminal credentials. Most graduates either pursue advanced degrees (adding substantial debt) or pivot to adjacent fields where starting salaries may differ considerably from these estimates.

Roosevelt serves a mission-driven population, with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, which may explain why outcomes here align with rather than exceed state benchmarks. Peer programs in Illinois show similar first-year earnings—Loyola and Augustana both land at essentially the same figure—suggesting the field itself, not the institution, largely determines initial wages in the Chicago market. For families banking on immediate career launch, these numbers work if your student secures a lab or research position. For those planning medical or graduate school, the modest debt provides breathing room.

The key question: Does your child intend to work immediately after graduation or continue their education? If it's the former, these estimated earnings suggest a viable path to independence. If it's the latter, factor in that biochemistry undergrads often accumulate six figures in additional debt for professional degrees, making this initial $25,500 either a reasonable foundation or the first installment of a much larger obligation.