Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,841/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 23.8x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 25%

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 $684K $668K $597K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.4x 23.8x 21.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 8.8x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (8.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,989
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,841/yr, roughly in line with the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 23.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $36,841 far exceeding the $11,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #26 of 136 nationally, this is a top-5% Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $68,989 show a 87% jump from the $36,841 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State University-Long Beach

A 47% admission rate makes California State University-Long Beach accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 34,131 in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

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

Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Long Beach?
A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology field.
Will AI replace Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $597,267 in decade earnings vs $684,108 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Long Beach's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program stand out?
Ranked #26 of 136 programs nationally, California State University-Long Beach lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →