Biology at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's biology program stands out for its exceptional debt management rather than standout earnings. With median debt of just $17,667—significantly below both the national average ($25,000) and California median ($20,452)—graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations that create genuine career flexibility.

The earnings picture tells a story of strong growth potential. While the $34,504 starting salary ranks in the 60th percentile among California biology programs, the trajectory is impressive: earnings jump 63% to $56,216 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition into higher-paying roles or graduate programs. This places UCSD above both national and state medians, though it trails top California performers like University of San Diego by a meaningful margin.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is remarkably favorable for a biology degree, where many students pursue additional education. This low debt burden means your child won't be financially pressured into immediate career decisions and can afford to pursue graduate school, research positions, or competitive internships that might pay less initially but offer better long-term prospects. Given biology's nature as often a stepping stone to professional programs, UCSD delivers exactly what you want: solid preparation without the debt trap that plagues many pre-med students elsewhere.