Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Vermont

The small sample size here matters—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a handful of students pursuing graduate school or taking gap years could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates start below both Vermont's state median ($40,411) and the national average, but earnings jump 65% by year four to reach $60,538. That growth rate suggests many graduates leverage their biochemistry degree as a stepping stone—likely into graduate programs, medical school, or specialized industry roles that take time to materialize.

The $22,250 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year salary (a 0.61 ratio), though it's worth noting Vermont programs typically graduate students with even less debt (state median: $17,842). This ranking in the 40th percentile among Vermont biochemistry programs—with Middlebury nearby offering stronger immediate outcomes—reflects UVM's position as a solid but not elite option in the state. For students genuinely committed to life sciences and planning for graduate education, that four-year earnings figure and reasonable debt load suggest the degree provides adequate preparation without creating financial strain.

The bottom line: if your child is serious about pursuing medicine, research, or biotech and needs the foundational coursework, UVM delivers without excessive debt. But if they're uncertain about graduate school or want strong immediate earnings, biochemistry anywhere (not just here) typically requires patience and further training to pay off.