Biochemistry at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,763/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.4x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #132 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

Program Analysis

The initial earnings data for UofSC's Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology program suggests a unique career landscape compared to the national average. This often reflects the regional labor market, which may not have the same density of high-paying biotech or pharmaceutical industry jobs found in major research hubs. Many graduates might initially find roles as lab technicians, research assistants in academic settings, or in more general science positions within South Carolina, which, while valuable, typically offer more modest starting salaries for bachelor's degree holders. The higher-earning scientific and managerial careers listed often require further specialized education, such as a Master's or PhD, or extensive experience to reach. To navigate this, focus heavily on gaining practical lab skills and pursuing internships with diverse employers during your studies, as these experiences will be crucial for distinguishing yourself and building a competitive profile for future opportunities.

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 $366K $376K $378K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.2x 7.4x 7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.6x 2.7x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$98,128
-93% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

A 61% admission rate makes University of South Carolina-Columbia accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 28,113 students enrolled in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of South Carolina-Columbia's Biochemistry program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biochemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Biochemistry earnings lower at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
Lower starting pay at University of South Carolina-Columbia may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →