Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,648
35th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$21,000
9% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$34,648$45,667$21,0000.61
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
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 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 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.