Biology at University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA's biology program produces graduates who start slow but accelerate quickly—perhaps too slowly given the university's prestige. First-year earnings of $28,242 lag behind both the national median ($32,316) and California's median ($33,486) for biology programs, placing UCLA in just the 25th percentile nationally and statewide. This is striking for a school with a 9% acceptance rate that many consider elite.

The program's saving grace is dramatic earnings growth, with salaries nearly doubling to $55,250 by year four—a 96% increase that suggests many graduates pursue additional training or find their footing in competitive fields. The relatively modest debt load of $16,028 helps cushion the slow start, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. However, UCLA still carries more debt than 95% of biology programs nationally, though less than California's typical $20,452.

For parents, this creates a puzzling situation: UCLA's brand opens doors, but its biology graduates initially earn less than those from far less selective California schools like Cal State East Bay or San Marcos. The strong earnings trajectory suggests the investment pays off eventually, but families should prepare for lean early years. If your child is pre-med or planning graduate school, the initial salary gap may be irrelevant—but for those entering the workforce immediately, less prestigious California schools might offer better immediate returns.