Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
44 /100
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)
Ranked #52 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $42,886 per year, Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates from California State University-Chico earn slightly above the $37,918 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 15.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,000 debt-to-$42,886 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #52 out of 136 programs, California State University-Chico's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does California State University-Chico's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 →