Best Value Biochemistry Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's biochemistry programs show a striking cost advantage at public institutions, with UW-Parkside delivering education at just $10,044 net cost compared to private options reaching $29,237. The 18 programs span from UW-Madison's research powerhouse generating $36,924 median earnings to more accessible regional campuses. Wisconsin's biotechnology sector, anchored by companies like Epic Systems in healthcare software and GE Healthcare in medical devices, creates natural career pathways for biochemistry graduates. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with in-state students paying between $7,855 and $11,205 while private institutions charge $32,286 to $55,461. UW-Madison stands out with its 89.30% graduation rate and highest earnings potential, though its 49.06% acceptance rate makes it the most selective option. The state's agricultural research heritage and growing biotech industry provide practical applications for molecular biology training.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$32,830

Avg. Program Earnings

63.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$33,138	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
2	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$36,924	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
3	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$33,993	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
4	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$31,133	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
5	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$28,960	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
6	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948		$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
7	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365		$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
8	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
9	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761		$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
10	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
11	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
12	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
13	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
14	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237		$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
15	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092		$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
16	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
17	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
18	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924		$58,554	67.2%	65.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,000 cost difference between Wisconsin's cheapest and most expensive biochemistry programs?

UW-Parkside offers biochemistry education at $10,044 net cost while Marquette University charges $29,237, reflecting the public-private divide. Public universities receive state funding that subsidizes tuition, with in-state rates ranging from $7,855 to $11,205. Private institutions like Lawrence University charge $55,461 in total costs before financial aid. The Wisconsin Grant system further reduces costs for eligible in-state students at public campuses.

How do graduation rates vary across Wisconsin's biochemistry programs?

UW-Madison leads with an 89.30% graduation rate, followed by Marquette at 80.10% and Lawrence University at 76.40%. Several regional public campuses show lower completion rates, with UW-Parkside at 39.80% and UW-Milwaukee at 51.20%. The correlation between selectivity and graduation rates appears strong, with more selective programs typically showing higher completion percentages. Private colleges generally maintain higher graduation rates than their public counterparts.

Does UW-Madison justify its higher costs compared to other Wisconsin public universities?

UW-Madison graduates earn $36,924 median income, significantly higher than other public options like UW-Stevens Point at $33,138. The research university charges $16,928 net cost versus $13,726 at Stevens Point, a difference of $3,202. Madison's 89.30% graduation rate far exceeds the 56% rate at Stevens Point. Students also graduate with lower debt loads of $20,000 compared to $22,500 at the regional campus.

Where do Wisconsin biochemistry graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Wisconsin's biotechnology sector includes major employers like Epic Systems, which develops healthcare software requiring biochemistry expertise for medical applications. GE Healthcare maintains significant operations in the state, creating demand for molecular biology specialists in medical device development. The state's agricultural research institutions and food processing companies like Kimberly-Clark also hire biochemistry graduates. Madison and Milwaukee metro areas concentrate most high-paying biotech positions, with median earnings reaching $36,924 for UW-Madison graduates.

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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.