Biology at California State University-East Bay

Cal State East Bay's Biology program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $44,370—dramatically higher than both the national median ($32,316) and California median ($33,486). Among the 75 biology programs in California, this one ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, and it's in the 95th percentile nationally. For a school with a 97% admission rate serving nearly half Pell-eligible students, those outcomes are exceptional.

The debt picture is equally practical: $21,500 puts graduates roughly at the state median and actually below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48—manageable by any standard. More encouraging, earnings jump 30% by year four to $57,742, suggesting graduates are finding career traction rather than hitting a ceiling. While this program doesn't quite match University of San Diego's $54,223 first-year mark, it comes remarkably close at a fraction of the cost and selectivity.

For California families looking at biology degrees, this represents genuine opportunity. Your child would graduate with below-average debt, above-average earnings, and strong upward momentum—all from an accessible public university. The combination of high earnings and moderate debt makes this one of the better biology investments in the state.