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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,771 | $36,823* | — | $22,986* | — | |
| $67,805 | $45,599* | — | —* | — | |
| $7,340 | $44,175* | — | —* | — | |
| $67,024 | $44,089* | — | $15,350* | 0.35 | |
| $10,363 | $41,305* | $68,227 | $18,139* | 0.44 | |
| $8,966 | $37,206* | — | $22,986* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $38,036* | — | $23,000* | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Microbiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
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.