Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at The University of Texas at El Paso

The small sample size here is crucial context, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant caution. UTEP's biochemistry graduates earn just $19,546 in their first year—roughly half what graduates make at UT Austin or University of Houston, and 40% below the Texas median. Even after four years, earnings of $38,747 barely catch up to where most biochemistry graduates start elsewhere in the state.

This program ranks in the bottom 10% both nationally and within Texas, serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body at an open-access institution. The 100% acceptance rate and modest test scores suggest UTEP fills an important access role, but biochemistry specifically appears misaligned with local job markets. That first-year figure is particularly troubling—it suggests many graduates either can't find relevant work immediately or are taking significant time to launch careers in their field. While debt levels are reasonable at $16,322, even that becomes harder to manage when early earnings are this low.

If your child is set on biochemistry and UTEP is the affordable option, they should have a clear plan for graduate school or professional programs, since this data suggests the bachelor's alone struggles in the job market. For families prioritizing immediate career returns, this combination of institution and major presents real challenges that better-performing Texas programs—even similar-sized regional universities—seem to avoid.