Biology at California State University-Long Beach

Cal State Long Beach's biology program combines remarkably low debt with strong earnings growth, though graduates should plan for a challenging first year. At just $13,000 in median debt—half the California average and well below the national typical burden—students emerge with unusual financial flexibility. First-year earnings of $35,053 sit above both state and national medians, ranking in the 68th percentile nationally and 60th within California's competitive landscape.

The real strength appears between years one and four, when earnings jump 60% to $56,054. While top California programs like University of San Diego start stronger ($54,223 initially), Long Beach graduates nearly match that level by year four, having paid far less in tuition and borrowed significantly less. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, this program delivers particularly strong value for first-generation and lower-income students who need both access and outcomes.

The low debt load means graduates can weather that modest first-year salary—whether taking a gap year for medical school preparation, working in research, or pursuing entry positions in biotech—without the financial pressure that $25,000+ in loans would create. For families seeking a biology degree that won't close off graduate school options or create crushing debt, this represents one of California's more practical paths into the field.