Biochemistry at California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$42,886/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI
15.3x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemistry graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $492K | $492K | $465K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 15.3x | 14.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.2x | 6.2x | 5.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 58% | 53% | 40% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 45 | 44 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $79,776 (6.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
About California State University-Chico
With 94% of applicants admitted, California State University-Chico prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,057 students in Chico, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Chico →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists
$103,650/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Compare & Explore
Biochemistry at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Chico
Frequently Asked Questions
How does California State University-Chico's Biochemistry program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biochemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →