Biochemistry at University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$45,066/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI
11.5x earnings multiple (3.8x 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 | $719K | $700K | $621K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.8x | 11.5x | 10.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.8x | 3.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 58% | 53% | 40% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 55 | 54 | 52 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,359
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,922
71% growth from Year 1
About University of California-San Diego
A 25% acceptance rate puts University of California-San Diego in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 33,787 in La Jolla, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists
$103,650/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry at University of California-San Diego?
At 54/100, University of California-San Diego's Biochemistry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry at University of California-San Diego?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →