Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,074/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 10%

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 $673K $658K $589K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.7x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,370
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,074 at University of Wisconsin-Madison come in 16% above the national median of $37,918 for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.7x 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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $44,074 far exceeding the $20,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #10 of 136 programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $71,370 show a 62% jump from the $44,074 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

A 43% admission rate makes University of Wisconsin-Madison accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology field.
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 $589,347 in decade earnings vs $672,594 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →