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Biochemistry Colleges Under $10,000

Programs with net price under $10,000. See our methodology.

CUNY City College delivers Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology training for just $3,486 net cost, making it the most affordable program nationally. This extreme affordability contrasts sharply with graduation outcomes that vary dramatically across institutions. While City College achieves a 54.70% graduation rate, College of Staten Island CUNY graduates only 32.80% of its students despite similar public funding structures. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors employ over 300,000 professionals nationwide, with entry-level biochemists earning between $35,000-$45,000 annually. California dominates this list with eight programs, reflecting the state's massive biotech industry centered in San Francisco and San Diego. However, earnings data reveals surprising patterns. California State University-San Bernardino graduates earn $39,648 annually, while Cal State LA graduates start at just $21,964. Eastern New Mexico University stands out with a 27.55% acceptance rate, far more selective than most programs on this list.
24
Programs
$3,486 – $9,900
Net Price Range
$33,220
Avg. Program Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
9 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
10 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
11 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
12 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
13 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
14 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
15 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
16 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
17 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
18 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
19 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
20 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
21 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
22 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
23 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
24 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College's program so much cheaper than other options?

CUNY City College charges just $3,486 net cost compared to $7,599 at Cal State Northridge. New York state provides substantial financial aid to CUNY students, and the college operates with lower overhead costs than California institutions. The $7,340 in-state tuition reflects aggressive state subsidies for city residents. Despite the low cost, the program maintains a 54.70% graduation rate, matching several more expensive alternatives.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 31.10% at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey Campus to 69.20% at Cal State Fullerton. Public institutions generally outperform private options, with Cal State Northridge achieving 56.20% compared to 31.10% at the private Puerto Rico campus. Brigham Young University-Idaho breaks this pattern with 55.10% graduation rate as a private nonprofit. Regional economic factors appear to influence completion more than tuition costs.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in biochemistry?

Eastern New Mexico University accepts only 27.55% of applicants yet graduates just 39.80%, suggesting high admission standards but completion challenges. Cal State Fresno accepts 95.43% of students and achieves 54.80% graduation, indicating that selectivity does not guarantee better outcomes. BYU-Idaho combines high acceptance at 95.56% with strong completion at 55.10%. These patterns suggest that support systems matter more than admission difficulty for biochemistry students.

Where do graduates earn the most after completing these programs?

Cal State San Bernardino graduates earn $39,648 annually, the highest among schools reporting earnings data. Cal State Fullerton follows closely at $38,937, while Cal State LA trails significantly at $21,964. The $17,684 earnings gap between the highest and lowest reflects regional job markets and industry concentration. California's biotech corridor provides more high-paying opportunities than other regions, though individual school outcomes vary substantially.

Is student debt manageable at these biochemistry programs?

Student debt remains relatively low across these affordable programs. Universidad Ana G. Mendez reports $12,000 average debt, while Cal State LA students graduate with $16,156. Cal State Fullerton debt reaches $18,240, still reasonable given the $38,937 starting salary. The low net costs help students avoid excessive borrowing. Most graduates can manage these debt levels with biochemistry starting salaries, though regional variations in both debt and earnings create different financial outcomes.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.