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Biochemistry at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,320/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $732K $713K $630K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.2x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,959
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,833
88% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Santa Cruz's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →

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

Compare this program → View all 136 schools offering Biochemistry →

Biochemistry at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($63,781) California State University-San Marcos ($57,682) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($57,538) MCPHS University ($51,942) University of Colorado Boulder ($50,474) California State University-Los Angeles ($50,428) University of Massachusetts-Boston ($50,352) University of Missouri-St Louis ($49,509)

Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 50/100, University of California-Santa Cruz'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-Santa Cruz?
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 University of California-Santa Cruz one of the best schools for Biochemistry?
Among 136 Biochemistry programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's #28 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →