Biochemistry at Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,604/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #134 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes for this Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology program at Point Loma Nazarene can be surprising, especially given San Diego's robust biotech industry. A significant factor is often the program's strong emphasis on preparing students for *further education*, such as medical school or graduate programs in research. This means many graduates defer high earnings while pursuing advanced degrees, which are essential for reaching the top-tier scientist and manager roles you see listed. For those aiming for immediate entry into San Diego's competitive life science sector, direct recruitment pipelines from a liberal arts institution like PLNU into major biotech firms might be less established than at larger research universities. Consequently, your initial roles could lean towards research assistant or lab technician positions, which generally offer lower starting salaries. If industry is your goal, you'll need to proactively seek extensive internships and network aggressively throughout your undergraduate years to secure a strong entry point.

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 $391K $399K $396K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.3x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$174,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$200,672
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

About Point Loma Nazarene University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Point Loma Nazarene University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 3,132 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Point Loma Nazarene University →

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

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry at Point Loma Nazarene University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biochemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry at Point Loma Nazarene University?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Point Loma Nazarene University a good choice for Biochemistry despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Point Loma Nazarene University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →