Best colleges for Physiology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Physiology by graduate earnings are University of Connecticut ($39,712), Gettysburg College ($37,977) and University of California-Davis ($37,550), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT): $39,712, 47 graduates a year
- Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, PA): $37,977, 50 graduates a year
- University of California-Davis (Davis, CA): $37,550, 107 graduates a year
- Ohio University (Athens, OH): $36,886, 76 graduates a year
- Life University (Marietta, GA): $36,662, 51 graduates a year
Compare 256 U.S. colleges offering Physiology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 49 states.
Physiology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $29,642 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.09 and the Exercise Physiologists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Physiology programs
The Physiology program, officially titled Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences, is a branch of biological and biomedical sciences focused on the study of functions and mechanisms in living systems. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding how organisms, organ systems, and cells operate, as well as the chemical and physical processes that sustain life. Students can explore various specializations within physiology, including Molecular Physiology, Exercise Physiology, and Cardiovascular Science, making it suitable for those pursuing careers in health, fitness, and medical research.
In this program, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics related to biology, medicine, and exercise science, equipping students with the knowledge needed to analyze physiological data and implement health-related programs.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,712 | 47 | 83% | — | $25,125 |
| 2 | Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,977 | 50 | 83% | $24,453 | $27,000 |
| 3 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,550 | 107 | 86% | — | $14,598 |
| 4 | Ohio University Athens, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,886 | 76 | 65% | — | $26,786 |
| 5 | Life University Marietta, GA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $36,662 | 51 | 38% | $30,667 | $22,439 |
| 6 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $35,873 | 143 | 89% | $21,956 | $27,000 |
| 7 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,926 | 372 | 74% | — | $20,330 |
| 8 | Gonzaga University Spokane, WA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $33,486 | 37 | 86% | $30,006 | $25,193 |
| 9 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,970 | 140 | 85% | — | $17,493 |
| 10 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $32,794 | 52 | 76% | $28,970 | $23,149 |
| 11 | The University of Montana Missoula, MT Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,671 | 69 | 48% | — | $20,500 |
| 12 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,629 | 103 | 47% | — | $23,750 |
| 13 | Wichita State University Wichita, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,125 | 85 | 51% | — | $20,500 |
| 14 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,958 | 146 | 71% | — | $22,775 |
| 15 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,915 | 164 | 83% | — | $27,000 |
| 16 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,613 | 308 | 85% | — | $22,500 |
| 17 | Ashland University Ashland, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,192 | 26 | 61% | $21,785 | $27,000 |
| 18 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,173 | 74 | 83% | $25,376 | $27,000 |
| 19 | California Baptist University Riverside, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,146 | 35 | 62% | $26,940 | $23,125 |
| 20 | Taylor University Upland, IN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $30,723 | 29 | 74% | $20,836 | $22,786 |
| 21 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,884 | 283 | 82% | — | $24,250 |
| 22 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,642 | 71 | 81% | — | $23,384 |
| 23 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,123 | 151 | 75% | — | $23,900 |
| 24 | University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,616 | 63 | 43% | — | $27,000 |
| 25 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,435 | 303 | 68% | — | $19,500 |
Specializations within Physiology
13 of the 13 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.09 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Exercise Physiology and KinesiologyCIP 26.09088,332 graduates / yr155 institutions42 states
- PhysiologyCIP 26.09013,004 graduates / yr70 institutions31 states
- Pathology/CIP 26.0910
Experimental Pathology 306 graduates / yr36 institutions24 states - Oncology and Cancer BiologyCIP 26.0911235 graduates / yr31 institutions23 states
- Vision Science/CIP 26.0909
Physiological Optics 219 graduates / yr12 institutions10 states - Physiology, Pathology, and Related SciencesCIP 26.0999218 graduates / yr10 institutions9 states
- BiomechanicsCIP 26.0913New in CIP 2020partial data70 graduates / yr6 institutions6 states
- Cardiovascular ScienceCIP 26.0907partial data61 graduates / yr4 institutions4 states
- Molecular PhysiologyCIP 26.0902partial data44 graduates / yr9 institutions9 states
- Aerospace Physiology and MedicineCIP 26.0912partial data40 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- Cell PhysiologyCIP 26.0903partial data32 graduates / yr7 institutions6 states
- Reproductive BiologyCIP 26.0905partial data31 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- EndocrinologyCIP 26.0904limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
Offered across 49 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1128, Exercise Physiologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Physiology program can expect a promising career outlook, with a projected growth rate of 9.5% and approximately 1,700 annual job openings. The median wage for related positions is around $58,160, and a typical educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Physiology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.09.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.09 (Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1021 | Biochemists and Biophysicists |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 29-1128 | Exercise Physiologistsprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Physiology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Develop exercise programs to improve participant strength, flexibility, endurance, or circulatory functioning, in accordance with exercise science standards, regulatory requirements, and credentialing requirements.
- Provide emergency or other appropriate medical care to participants with symptoms or signs of physical distress.
- Demonstrate correct use of exercise equipment or performance of exercise routines.
- Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
- Interpret exercise program participant data to evaluate progress or identify needed program changes.
- Prescribe individualized exercise programs, specifying equipment, such as treadmill, exercise bicycle, ergometers, or perceptual goggles.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Physiology program?+
The program focuses on the study of functions and mechanisms in living systems, including how organisms and their components operate.
What specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Molecular Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Endocrinology, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills relevant to health and exercise science.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 9.5% and about 1,700 annual openings.
How much do Physiology graduates earn?+
Physiology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $29,642, College Scorecard (2019); the Exercise Physiologists occupation pays about $60,940 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Physiology?+
Physiology maps to CIP 26.09 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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