Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Washington University in St Louis

Washington University's biochemistry program faces an unusual data challenge—both earnings and debt figures here are national estimates, not actual outcomes for WashU graduates. Given the school's 12% admission rate and 1530 average SAT score, this elite institution likely produces outcomes well above the $38,000 national benchmark. Similar programs in Missouri show a wide range: University of Missouri-St Louis graduates earn nearly $50,000 first year, while Mizzou graduates average just over $40,000. Where WashU fits in that spectrum matters significantly for evaluating the estimated $25,500 debt load.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 looks manageable on paper, but that assumes the national earnings estimate holds true—and for WashU's caliber of student, it probably understates reality. Biochemistry graduates from selective schools often pursue graduate or medical school immediately, which could explain why the Department of Education doesn't publish specific data here: small sample sizes from graduates entering the workforce directly. If your child plans to work right after graduation, the Missouri benchmarks suggest earnings could range from $40,000 to $50,000, making the debt quite reasonable.

The real uncertainty here is what happens with WashU's particular graduates. Before committing, contact the career services office directly for placement data specific to biochemistry majors who enter the workforce immediately after graduation—they'll have information the federal database lacks.