Analysis
UC Davis biotechnology graduates start at $59,156—well above the national median for biotech programs but actually middle-of-the-pack for California, where the state's strong life sciences industry pushes salaries higher across the board. What sets this program apart is the debt burden: at just under $12,000, it's less than half the typical debt load for biotech graduates nationally and among the lowest in California.
The earnings trajectory looks solid, climbing 28% to over $75,000 by year four. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 is exceptional—most graduates could realistically pay off their student loans within their first year of full-time work. Compare that to the national picture where biotech graduates typically carry $20,618 in debt against lower starting salaries, and the financial advantage becomes clear.
California has only six programs in this field, so that 60th percentile ranking reflects genuine competition from Cal Poly Pomona (which edges ahead by about $1,500). But Davis delivers comparable outcomes with meaningfully lower debt. For families concerned about financing a STEM degree, this represents one of the safer bets in California's competitive biotech landscape—strong earning potential without the debt burden that often accompanies it.
Where University of California-Davis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biotechnology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of California-Davis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California-Davis | $59,156 | $75,451 | +28% |
| Endicott College | $34,308 | $73,642 | +115% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $60,697 | $70,089 | +15% |
| California State University-Northridge | $42,712 | $65,623 | +54% |
| California State University-San Marcos | $49,615 | $59,766 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Biotechnology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of California-DavisDavis | $15,247 | $59,156 | $75,451 | $11,985 | 0.20 |
 California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona | $7,439 | $60,697 | $70,089 | $18,500 | 0.30 |
 California State University-San MarcosSan Marcos | $7,739 | $49,615 | $59,766 | $18,500 | 0.37 |
 California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge | $7,095 | $42,712 | $65,623 | $20,618 | 0.48 |
| National Median | — | $47,016 | — | $20,618 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biotechnology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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 University of California-Davis, approximately 31% 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 51 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.