Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Stockton University

Stockton's biochemistry program produces graduates earning $40,855 in their first year—slightly above the national median but trailing most other New Jersey programs. While that lands in the 62nd percentile nationally, it places in just the 40th percentile among NJ schools, meaning six in ten biochemistry programs in-state produce better starting outcomes. For context, Rutgers and Princeton graduates start about $5,000 higher, and even Rowan edges ahead.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,125, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio that sits comfortably below the 1.0 threshold most financial aid experts recommend. That's actually slightly better than New Jersey's median debt for this program. Stockton's relatively high Pell grant percentage suggests this accessibility matters for students from lower-income families who might otherwise struggle to access STEM degrees.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 students graduated from this program, so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. If your child is committed to biochemistry and Stockton is the affordable in-state option, the manageable debt makes it workable. But if prestige or earnings potential in New Jersey matter—particularly for grad school applications or competitive lab positions—the Rutgers campuses deliver stronger outcomes at similar debt levels.