Biochemistry at Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,164/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #111 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

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 $467K $470K $448K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,316
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Cornell College's Biochemistry program produces graduates earning $39,164/yr — within striking distance of the $37,918 national average for this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Biochemistry's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $39,164 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #111 of 136 Biochemistry programs, Cornell College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Cornell College

A 81% acceptance rate means Cornell College is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,074 students in Mount Vernon, IA. The average net cost of $100,316 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell College →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cornell College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry at Cornell College?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biochemistry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biochemistry careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $448,228 in decade earnings vs $467,466 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Cornell College a hidden gem for Biochemistry?
After financial aid, the average student pays $100,316 over four years — 50% below the $202,536 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →