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
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Northridge graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Northridge | $29,506 | $57,875 | +96% |
| University of the Pacific | $14,396 | $75,402 | +424% |
| University of La Verne | $22,650 | $69,780 | +208% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $35,638 | $63,237 | +77% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $36,642 | $61,867 | +69% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (75 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge | $7,095 | $29,506 | $57,875 | $15,059 | 0.51 |
 University of San DiegoSan Diego | $56,444 | $54,223 | $53,473 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
 California State University-East BayHayward | $7,055 | $44,370 | $57,742 | $21,500 | 0.48 |
 Dominican University of CaliforniaSan Rafael | $50,666 | $39,548 | — | $27,000 | 0.68 |
 California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos | $7,739 | $38,527 | $57,860 | $24,174 | 0.63 |
 University of San FranciscoSan Francisco | $58,222 | $38,423 | $57,265 | $23,250 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.