Biology at University of California-Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz's biology program turns in notably strong earnings numbers that outpace most competitors—both nationally and within California's crowded field of 75 biology programs. At $37,651 in year one, graduates earn 16% more than the national median and 12% above California's typical biology grad. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile statewide (solidly above the median but not elite), it beats the 82nd percentile nationally, suggesting strong value relative to most U.S. biology programs. The real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump 40% to $52,707—evidence that UCSC's coastal location and proximity to Bay Area biotech employers creates meaningful career momentum.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $20,703, graduates carry about 20% less debt than the national biology average, yielding a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio. You're essentially borrowing half a year's salary to access a program that delivers above-average outcomes. The admission rate of 63% also means this isn't a reach school for most qualified applicants.

The comparison to University of San Diego's $54,223 outcomes shows there's room above UCSC, but you'd need to weigh whether that gap justifies USD's likely higher total cost of attendance. For families seeking UC-quality education with strong STEM outcomes at a reasonable debt load, this program delivers exactly what it promises.