Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Starting salaries around $37,000 raise questions for a degree that typically requires significant lab coursework and scientific rigor. UNCG's biochemistry program sits below both the state median ($40,442) and national average ($38,036), ranking in just the 40th percentile among North Carolina schools—meaning 60% of similar programs in the state yield better outcomes. When NC State graduates in this field earn nearly $7,400 more annually, that's a meaningful gap for families considering in-state options.

The debt picture looks somewhat better, with graduates carrying $21,625 versus the national median of $23,000. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, which is manageable though not exceptional. However, the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked) means these figures could shift significantly year to year—this might not represent the typical graduate's experience.

For families focused on maximizing return on investment in the sciences, UNCG's biochemistry program appears to underperform relative to state alternatives. If your student is committed to this field and UNCG for other reasons—perhaps its 47% Pell grant population indicates strong financial aid, or they value the specific research opportunities—it could work. But purely from an earnings standpoint, exploring NC State or other programs in the top half of state performers makes financial sense.