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Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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

Program Analysis

University of California-Santa Cruz's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates start at $40,320/yr — above the $37,918 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,959 in median debt clears quickly against $40,320 in annual earnings.

University of California-Santa Cruz ranks #28 among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $40,320-to-$75,833 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology →

Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 50/100, University of California-Santa Cruz's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
Among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 →