Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,824
80th percentile
Median Debt
$22,750
1% below national median

Analysis

Texas State's biochemistry graduates significantly outpace their peers, earning roughly $45,000 in their first yearβ€”about $13,000 more than the typical Texas graduate in this field. Among all 38 Texas schools offering this program, Texas State ranks in the 80th percentile, outearning even larger flagship institutions like UT Austin and Texas Tech. For a university with an 89% acceptance rate, these outcomes are notably strong, suggesting the program punches well above its institutional profile.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $22,750, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. Graduates see steady 11% earnings growth over four years, reaching nearly $50,000β€”a positive trajectory for STEM careers where advancement often accelerates after gaining laboratory or industry experience. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates a favorable financial position compared to biochemistry programs at more selective Texas schools.

The major caveat: these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for families looking at accessible Texas universities with strong science outcomes, Texas State appears to deliver genuine value. The program provides competitive earnings without the debt burden or admission selectivity of flagship alternatives, making it worth serious consideration for students interested in molecular biology careers.

Where Texas State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Texas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Texas State University$44,824$49,636+11%
The University of Texas at Austin$33,846$61,992+83%
Texas Tech University$32,027$59,443+86%
Texas A&M University-College Station$28,338$52,572+86%
University of North Texas$34,657$48,201+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (38 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos$11,450$44,824$49,636$22,7500.51
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$34,657$48,201$23,3040.67
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$34,648$45,667$21,0000.61
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$33,846$61,992$19,0000.56
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$32,027$59,443$25,0000.78
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$30,496$47,493$27,0000.89
National Medianβ€”$38,036β€”$23,0000.60

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 Texas State University, approximately 36% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.