Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Central Missouri

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,037

Est. from national median (136 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,250

Est. from national median (111 programs)

Analysis

A $22,250 debt load for a bachelor's in biochemistry seems manageable on paper, but the estimated first-year earnings of $38,037 tell a more complicated story. Similar biochemistry programs nationally produce median earnings right around this figure, yet within Missouri, peer programs typically start graduates closer to $45,000—a meaningful gap of roughly $7,000 annually. Mizzou and UMSL, the flagship research universities with reported data, both place graduates above $40,000, suggesting that institutional resources and research infrastructure may matter more in this field than in many others.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 isn't alarming, but it's worth noting that biochemistry graduates often pursue additional education rather than entering the workforce immediately. If your student is pre-med or planning graduate school, those first-year earnings become less relevant than the program's ability to prepare them for the next step. Without actual outcomes data for UCM's biochemistry program, you're making this decision based on how similar programs perform elsewhere, not how this specific department's graduates fare in the job market or graduate school admissions.

The safer bet for a biochemistry degree in Missouri appears to be one of the research universities where outcomes are strong enough to report publicly. Unless cost savings at UCM are substantial or location matters significantly, the estimated earnings gap suggests you might get more value from programs with documented track records.

Where University of Central Missouri Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg	$9,739	$38,037*	—	$22,250*	—
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis	$13,440	$49,509*	$52,427	$27,316*	0.55
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$40,492*	$44,301	$25,437*	0.63
National Median	—	$38,036*	—	$23,000*	0.60

* Estimated from similar programs

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 University of Central Missouri, approximately 26% 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 national median of 136 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.