Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
41 /100
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)
Ranked #69 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 $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)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,877
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,927 track close to the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x 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.

Median debt of $24,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,927 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #69 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $64,877 show a 81% jump from the $35,927 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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
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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
A score of 41/100 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 $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 →