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Rice University delivers an unusual combination in Texas biochemistry education: the lowest net cost at $12,640 despite a sticker price of $58,128, paired with a 95.70% graduation rate that towers above the state average. While most Texas public universities cluster between $10,726 and $20,924 in net costs, private institutions like University of Mary Hardin-Baylor reach $28,690, creating a $18,000 gap between the most and least expensive options. Graduate earnings span from $24,421 to $40,512, with Texas State University and Texas Tech University leading at roughly $40,000 annually. This earning potential aligns well with Texas hosting the world's largest medical complex in Houston's Texas Medical Center, where biochemistry graduates find opportunities across research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotechnology firms. The state's massive healthcare workforce, second-largest in the nation, creates steady demand for molecular biology expertise. Students benefit from programs like the TEXAS Grant, which helps make these degrees more accessible across the state's varied institutional market.
38
Programs
$10,726 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$31,976
Avg. Program Earnings
58.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,438 $40,512 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
2 $10,726 $24,421 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
3 $14,352 $31,305 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
4 $13,853 $28,598 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
5 $20,071 $40,467 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
6 $19,678 $38,649 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
7 $12,640 $24,421 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
8 $17,435 $32,467 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
9 $15,235 $26,353 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
10 $20,924 $32,563 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
11 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
12 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
13 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
14 $20,581 $24,588 41.1% 53.6%
15 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
16 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
17 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
18 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
19 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
20 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
21 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
22 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
23 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
24 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
25 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
26 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
27 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
28 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
29 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
30 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
31 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
32 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
33 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
34 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
35 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
36 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
37 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
38 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University such good value despite its high sticker price?

Rice University charges $58,128 in tuition but provides enough financial aid to reduce the average net cost to just $12,640, making it cheaper than most public options. Students graduate with only $7,500 in debt on average, far below the state average of $19,000. The school maintains a 95.70% graduation rate, ensuring most students complete their degrees successfully.

How do public university costs compare across Texas for biochemistry programs?

Public universities range from $10,726 at UT El Paso to $20,924 at Texas A&M College Station in net costs. In-state tuition varies from $9,711 at University of Houston to $14,564 at UT Dallas. Most fall between $11,000-$12,000 for in-state students, making Texas public education relatively affordable compared to national averages.

Does graduation rate correlate with higher earnings in Texas biochemistry programs?

Not necessarily. UT Austin has an 87.60% graduation rate with $38,649 earnings, while Texas State achieves $40,512 earnings with just a 56.20% graduation rate. Rice University graduates 95.70% of students but shows $24,421 in early career earnings. This suggests program focus and regional job markets matter as much as completion rates.

Where do most Texas biochemistry graduates find employment opportunities?

Houston's Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, employs many graduates in research and clinical roles. Major healthcare systems like HCA Healthcare, Baylor Scott & White, and MD Anderson Cancer Center actively recruit molecular biology specialists. The state's position as having the second-largest healthcare workforce nationally creates steady demand across metropolitan areas.

Is debt load manageable for biochemistry students in Texas?

Average debt ranges from $7,500 at Rice University to $22,718 at Texas Tech University. Most students graduate with debt between $17,000-$22,000, which remains reasonable given starting salaries of $24,000-$40,000. Public universities generally keep debt below $20,000, while private institutions show more variation in borrowing patterns.

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