Biochemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,927/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI
10.3x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
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 | $649K | $636K | $573K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.5x | 10.3x | 9.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.4x | 4.3x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 58% | 53% | 40% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 41 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,877
81% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
With a 57% acceptance rate, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is moderately selective, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists
$103,650/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Compare & Explore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
A score of 41/100 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 $573,011 in decade earnings vs $648,849 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →