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Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

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

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	$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

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,763 place University of South Carolina-Columbia below the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 7.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,250 debt-to-$23,763 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #132 out of 136 programs, University of South Carolina-Columbia's financial outcomes for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of South Carolina-Columbia's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program score?

This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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 →