Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,468/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #102 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 $927K $892K $765K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$3,000
1.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,746
157% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Southern California's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program produces graduates earning $34,468/yr — within striking distance of the $37,918 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $3,000 in median debt clears quickly against $34,468 in annual earnings.

Ranked #102 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, University of Southern California falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $88,746 show a 157% jump from the $34,468 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Southern California

Only 10% of applicants gain admission to University of Southern California, reflecting elite selectivity, with 20,817 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Southern California?
A score of 33/100 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 $764,579 in decade earnings vs $927,309 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →