Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,842
45th percentile
40th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$22,000
4% below national median

Analysis

Towson's biochemistry graduates start behind comparable Maryland programs but experience remarkable salary growth, jumping from $36,842 to nearly $65,000 within four years—a 76% increase that suggests strong career trajectory despite the slow start. However, that first-year figure sits below the state median of $41,740, placing Towson in the 40th percentile among Maryland's 14 biochemistry programs. For context, University of Maryland-College Park graduates start at $48,721, while even UMBC's median first-year earnings of $30,275 suggests significant variability in Maryland outcomes.

The $22,000 median debt is reasonable and slightly below the state median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 in that first year. The real question for parents is whether their child will stick with a science career long enough to reach those year-four earnings. If your student plans to pursue graduate work in biochemistry or medicine—common paths for this major—the later-year earnings matter more than the initial entry-level figures. Those often reflect research assistant positions or lab tech roles that serve as stepping stones.

This program works best for students committed to a longer-term science career path. The admission accessibility (83% acceptance rate) makes it a viable option for solid B students interested in life sciences, but families should prepare for lean early years while their graduate builds experience.

Where Towson University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Towson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Towson University$36,842$64,819+76%
Northeastern University$63,781$84,199+32%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$44,101$76,667+74%
University of Southern California$34,468$72,935+112%
University of Maryland-Baltimore County$30,275$52,755+74%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (14 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$36,842$64,819$22,0000.60
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$48,721$19,5000.40
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$46,637$26,7500.57
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore$12,952$30,275$52,755$19,2500.64
National Median$38,036$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 Towson University, approximately 33% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.