Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,823
Est. from NY median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,986
Est. from NY median (5 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at SUNY Fredonia estimates first-year earnings around $37,000—right in line with what similar programs across New York typically produce. The estimated debt of roughly $23,000 yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, meaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary. For a life sciences degree that often serves as a stepping stone to graduate or professional school, these numbers suggest a reasonable foundation, though families should recognize that median outcomes from peer programs show significant variation—from the low $40,000s at top SUNY schools like Binghamton to the mid-$40,000s at elite private institutions.

The challenge lies in what these estimates don't reveal about Fredonia specifically. Similar biochemistry programs in New York produce graduates earning anywhere from $37,000 to $46,000 in their first year, a spread wide enough to materially affect career trajectory and loan repayment comfort. Without reported data from Fredonia's own graduates, it's impossible to know whether this program lands closer to the state average or outperforms it. Given Fredonia's 79% admission rate and position as a regional SUNY campus, the state median estimate is likely reasonable, but families banking on biochemistry as a direct path to financial security should understand that many graduates in this field pursue additional education—which means more debt and delayed earnings—before reaching stable career income.

Where SUNY at Fredonia Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (62 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
SUNY at FredoniaFredonia$8,771$36,823*—$22,986*—
Vassar CollegePoughkeepsie$67,805$45,599*——*—
CUNY City CollegeNew York$7,340$44,175*——*—
Colgate UniversityHamilton$67,024$44,089*—$15,350*0.35
Binghamton UniversityVestal$10,363$41,305*$68,227$18,139*0.44
SUNY College at GeneseoGeneseo$8,966$37,206*—$22,986*0.62
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 SUNY at Fredonia, approximately 37% 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 10 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.