Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Washington-Bothell Campus

UW-Bothell's biochemistry program lands in an unusual spot: solidly affordable with debt 35% below the national average, but earning less than most comparable Washington programs. Starting at $39K puts graduates slightly above the national median but in the bottom half compared to other Washington schools, including notably behind WSU and Western Washington.

The financial math works—with debt below $15,000, graduates carry just 38% of their first-year earnings in loans, easily manageable even at these starting salaries. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these numbers. What's more compelling is the 29% earnings jump to $50K by year four, suggesting graduates who stay in science-adjacent fields see meaningful progression. However, that same $50K still trails what peers at other Washington schools earn right out of the gate.

The gap compared to UW-Seattle (which has identical first-year earnings) is telling—Bothell's students graduate with half the debt but don't gain an earnings advantage. If your child is committed to staying in Washington and values the UW name while minimizing loans, this program delivers that combination. But if maximizing early-career earnings matters more and your child can handle slightly higher debt, Washington State or Western Washington appear to position graduates more competitively in the state's job market from day one.