Biochemistry at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,648/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 22.7x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #76 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

Program Analysis

While the data reflects outcomes that might appear lower than the national average for this field, it's crucial to understand the context. This often reflects the regional labor market in New Mexico, which, while having strong public sector research institutions like Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs, may not offer the same density of high-paying private biotech and pharmaceutical industry jobs found in major coastal hubs. Many graduates from programs like UNM's leverage their robust scientific foundation for further education, often pursuing Ph.D.s or medical degrees, where initial post-bachelor's salaries are lower but long-term earning potential significantly increases. Therefore, if you're considering this path, actively seek out internships or research opportunities at regional labs or plan for advanced degrees to truly unlock the full career potential this major offers.

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 $757K $736K $648K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.3x 22.7x 19.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.0x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,460
Out-of-state: $105,800 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,912
-115% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,975
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,132
175% growth from Year 1

About University of New Mexico-Main Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 16,686 in Albuquerque, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Mexico-Main Campus →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biochemistry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biochemistry careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $647,557 in decade earnings vs $757,208 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biochemistry from University of New Mexico-Main Campus?
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 →