Analysis
University of Houston's biochemistry program demonstrates something important that raw numbers miss: while first-year earnings of $34,648 fall below the national median, four-year earnings of $45,667 tell a different story. This 32% earnings growth trajectory outpaces most programs in this field, where early career stagnation is common. Among Texas biochemistry programs, this places UH above the state median—ranking in the 60th percentile despite serving a student population where 41% receive Pell grants.
The $21,000 in typical debt is actually below both state and national benchmarks, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that improves significantly as graduates gain experience. By year four, graduates earn more than those from UT Austin initially, suggesting strong connections to Houston's massive medical and energy sectors that value this degree. The moderate sample size adds confidence these outcomes are representative.
For families evaluating biochemistry programs, UH offers an increasingly strong value proposition. Your child won't start with top-tier earnings, but the combination of below-average debt, above-state-median outcomes, and strong upward trajectory makes this worthwhile—especially if staying in Texas where Houston's biomedical hub provides clear career pathways. This is a program where patience pays off substantially.
Where University of Houston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | $34,648 | $45,667 | +32% |
| 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% |
| Texas State University | $44,824 | $49,636 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,711 | $34,648 | $45,667 | $21,000 | 0.61 | |
| $11,450 | $44,824 | $49,636 | $22,750 | 0.51 | |
| $11,164 | $34,657 | $48,201 | $23,304 | 0.67 | |
| $11,678 | $33,846 | $61,992 | $19,000 | 0.56 | |
| $11,852 | $32,027 | $59,443 | $25,000 | 0.78 | |
| $54,844 | $30,496 | $47,493 | $27,000 | 0.89 | |
| National Median | — | $38,036 | — | $23,000 | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Microbiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
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 Houston, approximately 41% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.