Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Massachusetts-Boston

UMass Boston's biochemistry graduates earn $50,352 in their first year—32% above the national median and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. That's remarkable performance for a public university with an 83% admission rate, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift with more data. Within Massachusetts, the program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing Northeastern and MCPHS but staying competitive with more selective schools like Brandeis and BU. The $63,000 four-year earnings show steady 24% growth, suggesting graduates find career traction rather than hitting a ceiling.

The debt picture is manageable: $25,000 puts graduates at a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe half their first year's salary. That's better than the national median debt of $23,000 might suggest, since UMass Boston graduates earn substantially more. For families concerned about affordability—particularly relevant given that 43% of students receive Pell grants—this combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates reasonable financial pressure.

The caveat matters here. Small sample sizes can produce statistical noise, so one exceptional cohort could skew these numbers upward. But if this performance holds, UMass Boston offers an accessible path into biochemistry with outcomes that compete with far more selective programs—at a fraction of the sticker price and financial risk.