California · Biology

Best Biology institutions in California, ranked by earnings

The Biology program, also known as Biology, General, is designed for students interested in the scientific study of life and living organisms. This broad natural science encompasses various fields, focusing on the structure, function,…

Institutions
181
offering CIP 26.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
13,759
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$38,344
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
50
College Scorecard
Median net price
$26,609
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
51%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Biological Technicians
$70,930
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of San Diego
San Diego Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$54,2236884%$26,035$25,000
2California State University - East Bay
Hayward Public · Bachelor's degree
$44,37010848%$21,500
3Dominican University of California
San Rafael Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$39,5483578%$48,448$27,000
4California State University - San Marcos
San Marcos Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,52716755%$24,174
5University of San Francisco
San Francisco Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$38,4238070%$37,121$23,250
6California State University - Channel Islands
Camarillo Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,3447951%$19,500
7University of California - Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,65121775%$20,703
8California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,19228556%$15,019
9California State University - Chico
Chico Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,1207163%$18,750
10University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,64216093%$14,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Biological Technicians (SOC 19-4021).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.5%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~9,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$52,000
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingScienceActive ListeningActive LearningWriting

What Biological Technicians earn in California

Jobs in California
10,680
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$70,930
median $64,020
Best-paying metro
$81,680
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Related careers

Biological Scientists, All Other
$121,000 avg · 12,580 jobs
Biological Technicians
$70,930 avg · 10,680 jobs
Food Science Technicians
$55,100 avg · 4,000 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Biology programs in California.

Which Biology program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of San Diego tops the list at $54,223. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Biological Technicians earn in California?+

The average annual wage for Biological Technicians in California is $70,930 (median $64,020), across about 10,680 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Biology program?+

The Biology program, also known as Biology, General, is designed for students interested in the scientific study of life and living organisms. This broad natural science encompasses various fields, focusing on the structure, function,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, critical thinking, science, active listening, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Biological Technicians?+

The national job outlook is about +3.5% growth with around 9,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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