# Pennsylvania State University: Biochemistry (bachelor's)

University Park, PA. IPEDS 214777, CIP 26.02. Page: https://educationguide.com/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus/majors/biochemistry

## Graduate outcomes
- Median earnings 1 year after graduating: $43,288
- Median earnings 4 years after graduating: $77,336 (U.S. median for this major: $65,097 across 110 colleges)
- Median federal loan debt: $26,178 (U.S. median $21,626)
- Rank in PA: 3 of 7 colleges by 4-year earnings
- Versus the PA median for this major (7 colleges, $63,707): +$13,629
- Versus the U.S. median: +$12,239

## Cost to finish and years to pay back (EducationGuide calculation)
School-wide net price x 4.2 years (average time graduates took). Earnings gain = $77,336 minus $35,797 for high school graduates ages 25-34 in PA (Census ACS 2020-2024).

| Family income | Net price / yr | Cost to finish | Years to pay back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | $19,845 | $83,349 | 2.0 years |
| 30-48k | $20,049 | $84,206 | 2.0 years |
| 48-75k | $25,667 | $107,801 | 2.6 years |
| 75-110k | $31,834 | $133,703 | 3.2 years |
| 110k+ | $37,831 | $158,890 | 3.8 years |

Method: https://educationguide.com/how-we-score#value

## Biochemistry at PA colleges
| College | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt | Avg. net price | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $80,364 | $25,500 | $28,198 | 75% |
| Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks | $77,336 | $26,178 | $24,356 | 32% |
| Pennsylvania State University | $77,336 | $26,178 | $32,875 | 86% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $63,707 | $26,558 | $17,945 | 40% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $63,707 | $26,558 | $18,202 | 56% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | $63,707 | $26,558 | $30,434 | 86% |
| Duquesne University | $62,319 | $27,000 | $37,730 | 78% |

## Careers
- Natural Sciences Managers (SOC 11-9121): median wage $122,930 State College, PA, $137,900 PA, $167,220 U.S.; U.S. jobs 8.2% by 2035
- Biological Technicians (SOC 19-4021): median wage $62,000 State College, PA, $54,950 PA, $57,510 U.S.; U.S. jobs 7.4% by 2035
- Microbiologists (SOC 19-1022): median wage not reported State College, PA, $84,650 PA, $87,990 U.S.; U.S. jobs 6.2% by 2035

## Sources and years
- Earnings (4 yr): Treasury AY2017-2018, AY2018-2019 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars; debt: NSLDS pooled AY2018-19, AY2019-20 cohort

Free to reuse with attribution: cite "EducationGuide.com" with a link to the page URL. Most figures are U.S. government data (public domain); loan default rates and athletics come from the Urban Institute Education Data Portal (ODC-By 1.0, attribution required) and founding years from Wikidata (CC0).