Biology at California State University-Northridge
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
CSUN's biology program starts slower than most California options but delivers impressive earnings growth that should reassure parents worried about initial returns. That first-year salary of $29,506 sits below both state and national medians, but by year four, graduates are earning $57,875—nearly double their starting pay and well above typical biology outcomes.
The debt picture here is genuinely excellent. At just $15,059, CSUN biology graduates carry roughly a quarter of the national median debt and significantly less than California's $20,452 median. This puts the program in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—meaning only 5% of biology programs nationwide leave students with less to repay. Combined with that strong four-year salary, the financial foundation is solid even if you're not immediately seeing returns.
What explains the earnings trajectory? Many biology graduates pursue additional education or certifications that pay off after a few years, and CSUN's heavily first-generation, Pell-eligible population (56%) may take slightly longer to convert their degrees into career advancement. The rapid growth suggests graduates are successfully making those transitions. For families prioritizing affordability and long-term outcomes over prestige, this represents strong value—particularly for students who plan to work while exploring graduate school or specialized career paths in healthcare, research, or related fields.
Where California State University-Northridge Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Northridge graduates compare to all programs nationally
California State University-Northridge graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (75 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge | $29,506 | $57,875 | $15,059 | 0.51 |
| University of San Diego | $54,223 | $53,473 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| California State University-East Bay | $44,370 | $57,742 | $21,500 | 0.48 |
| Dominican University of California | $39,548 | — | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| California State University-San Marcos | $38,527 | $57,860 | $24,174 | 0.63 |
| University of San Francisco | $38,423 | $57,265 | $23,250 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of San Diego San Diego | $56,444 | $54,223 | $25,000 |
| California State University-East Bay Hayward | $7,055 | $44,370 | $21,500 |
| Dominican University of California San Rafael | $50,666 | $39,548 | $27,000 |
| California State University-San Marcos San Marcos | $7,739 | $38,527 | $24,174 |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $38,423 | $23,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California State University-Northridge, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 112 graduates with reported earnings and 117 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.