Biology at University of California-Davis

UC Davis biology graduates face the typical early-career earnings squeeze that makes pre-med and research-track bio majors nervous, but two factors set this program apart: exceptionally low debt and strong earnings acceleration. At $13,000 in median debt—half California's typical biology debt load and nearly $12,000 below the national benchmark—graduates here start with minimal financial burden while pursuing graduate school, medical school, or those elusive entry-level lab positions that pay modestly.

That breathing room matters because earnings jump dramatically. First-year earnings of $35,241 climb to $56,137 by year four—a 59% increase that suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better positions or completing additional training. While UC Davis doesn't crack California's top tier for immediate biology earnings (University of San Diego graduates start at $54,000), it outperforms 60% of California programs and 69% of national programs, delivering solidly above-average outcomes.

For families weighing UC Davis against Cal State options or private universities, the calculation is straightforward: you're getting University of California prestige and research opportunities with debt levels closer to a Cal State. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry about four months of their first-year salary in loans—manageable whether they're heading to grad school or working while they figure out their next move. The combination of low financial risk and solid trajectory makes this a smart choice for students serious about biology, even if the immediate payoff looks modest.