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University of Northern Iowa delivers the state's most affordable Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology program at just $14,609 net cost, while Grinnell College commands $15,608 despite its $64,862 sticker price through generous financial aid. The $16,433 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Iowa's mix of accessible public education and well-endowed private colleges. Iowa's agricultural biotechnology sector, anchored by companies developing crop enhancement solutions and food processing technologies, creates natural pathways for biochemistry graduates. The state's insurance giants like Principal Financial also employ biochemists for actuarial modeling of health data. Early career earnings span $28,598 to $32,925, with University of Iowa graduates commanding the highest starting salaries at $32,925 annually.
17
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$30,560
Avg. Program Earnings
65.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $15,608 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
3 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
4 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
5 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
6 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
7 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
8 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
9 $21,590 $35,534 49.4%
10 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
11 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
12 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
13 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
14 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
15 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
16 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
17 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa so affordable for biochemistry students?

University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest net cost at $14,609 with an in-state tuition of just $9,728. The public university maintains a 94.95% acceptance rate, making biochemistry education accessible to most applicants. Combined with a 68.90% graduation rate, UNI provides solid value for students seeking affordable scientific training.

How does Grinnell College justify its biochemistry program costs?

Grinnell College transforms a $64,862 sticker price into a $15,608 net cost through substantial financial aid, resulting in only $16,549 average debt. The college maintains an 87.50% graduation rate with highly selective 10.76% admissions. Despite generating the lowest starting earnings at $28,598, graduates carry minimal debt burdens compared to peer institutions.

Does Iowa State University provide good value for biochemistry degrees?

Iowa State University offers strong return on investment with $18,165 net costs producing $32,119 starting salaries. The public research university maintains 90.22% acceptance rates while delivering 75.50% graduation rates. Students graduate with $18,950 average debt, reasonable given the university's research opportunities and industry connections in agricultural biotechnology.

Where do Iowa biochemistry graduates find the highest starting salaries?

University of Iowa graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $32,925, despite paying $21,398 net costs. The flagship university's 73.10% graduation rate and 86.00% acceptance rate create competitive yet achievable pathways. Graduates carry $21,500 average debt while accessing Iowa City's growing biotechnology sector and the university's extensive research facilities.

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