Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The striking feature of UNL's biochemistry program isn't where graduates start—it's where they end up. That $33,520 first-year salary sits well below the national median, landing in just the 30th percentile nationally. But four years out, earnings jump 74% to $58,205, suggesting graduates may be taking research positions or graduate school paths that lead to stronger mid-term outcomes.

For Nebraska families, the value equation looks more favorable than it might appear nationally. At $19,980 in median debt—about $3,000 below the national median for this major—the program keeps borrowing manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.6 means even that modest starting salary covers the debt burden reasonably well. Among Nebraska's five schools offering this program, UNL sits at the 60th percentile, making it a competitive in-state option despite the below-average national ranking.

The real question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate work or enter the job market directly. That dramatic earnings trajectory suggests many graduates follow paths (graduate programs, postdocs, research positions) that pay modestly at first but better later. If your child is headed to medical or graduate school, the lower debt load becomes particularly valuable. For those planning to work immediately after graduation, understand that first few years may require financial patience before the career payoff materializes.