Biology at San Francisco State University

San Francisco State's biology program ranks in the top 40% among California schools while keeping debt at just $15,000—roughly a third of what most biology graduates carry nationally. That's a significant advantage in a field where many students move on to graduate school or start in modestly-paid lab positions. With first-year earnings already above both the national and California medians, graduates aren't facing the debt burden that could limit their next steps.

The 64% earnings jump by year four is particularly notable, suggesting graduates successfully transition into better-paying research roles, biotech positions, or graduate programs that lead to stronger salaries. While the program doesn't match the earnings at University of San Diego or Cal State East Bay, it's competitive with other Bay Area options like University of San Francisco—and costs substantially less in borrowed money.

For families weighing biology programs in California, this offers a practical path forward. The low debt load gives graduates flexibility to pursue additional training or accept lower-paying positions that build toward better opportunities. San Francisco State serves a heavily first-generation college population, and this data suggests the biology program delivers on mobility without crushing debt.