Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Illinois Springfield

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 suggests manageable financial footing—at least based on what peer biochemistry programs in Illinois typically produce. With estimated first-year earnings around $38,400 and debt near $22,250, graduates would be dedicating roughly half their annual income to what they owe, which falls within reasonable bounds for a science degree. The benchmark data shows this aligns closely with both state and national medians for the major, meaning UIS appears competitive with established programs at schools like Loyola and Augustana.

The challenge lies in what biochemistry degrees typically lead to: many graduates need graduate school to access higher-paying research or clinical positions. That $38,400 estimate reflects entry-level laboratory technician roles or positions in quality control—not the career trajectory most students envision when they choose molecular biology. If your child plans to stop at a bachelor's, understand they're likely looking at technician work rather than independent research. If graduate school is the goal, that $22,250 in undergraduate debt becomes the foundation of a much larger borrowing picture.

For families comfortable with the graduate school path and its associated costs, this program appears to offer solid preparation at a price point that won't sink future plans. For students hoping a bachelor's alone will open doors to high-paying science careers, the estimated earnings suggest tempering those expectations considerably.