Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Tabor College

A bachelor's degree in biochemistry from a small Kansas college carries an estimated $25,489 in debt—slightly above the national median for this field—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,037. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 isn't alarming on its face, but context matters: Kansas biochemistry programs typically produce more modest outcomes than the national average, and the top in-state option (University of Kansas) shows graduates earning $41,487 in year one with similar debt loads.

The challenge with Tabor's program is that you're paying private college prices—reflected in that above-average debt figure—for a credential in a state where biochemistry salaries trend lower than the national norm. Similar programs across Kansas show a median first-year salary of just $35,569, suggesting the local life sciences job market may not reward this degree as generously as in biotech-heavy states. With only 12 schools offering this major in Kansas, most families can realistically compare options, and the data suggests larger research universities may offer better value.

If your child is set on biochemistry and wants the small-school experience Tabor provides, the debt burden is manageable compared to many private colleges. But if career earnings are a primary concern, the estimated figures suggest this combination—boutique private education in a modest regional job market—may not deliver the financial return you'd hope for in a rigorous science field.