Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Siena College

Biochemistry graduates from comparable New York programs typically earn around $37,000 in their first year—placing this field below the national median of $38,000 and well behind top performers like Vassar and CUNY City College, where graduates earn in the mid-$40,000s. With estimated debt of $26,000, the 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio sits in workable territory, though it means borrowers would be dedicating roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary to what they owe. For families paying full freight at a private liberal arts college, this return feels modest compared to what SUNY schools deliver at significantly lower cost.

The science matters here: molecular biology careers often require graduate degrees to unlock better earnings, which means many students will accumulate additional debt before seeing substantial income gains. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level and work immediately, peer program outcomes suggest they'll face tight finances early on. The 23% Pell grant rate indicates Siena serves a relatively affluent student body, which may mean financial aid is limited for middle-income families who need it most.

Before committing, compare Siena's net price to SUNY Geneseo or Binghamton, where similar programs produce comparable or better outcomes at state school pricing. If your child is set on graduate school in the sciences, minimizing undergraduate debt becomes especially critical—those extra years of education compound quickly.