Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,991/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 21.3x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #47 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 50%

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 $974K $935K $797K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.2x 21.3x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.1x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 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)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,656
192% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,991 per year, Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates from University of Iowa earn below the $37,918 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 21.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,991 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #47 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, University of Iowa scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $87,656 show a 192% jump from the $29,991 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Iowa?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $796,901 in decade earnings vs $974,293 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology from University of Iowa?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →