Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in California
- 50
- Schools
- $75,838
- Avg. Earnings
- 73%
- Avg. Graduation
- $24,453
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,535
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $41,540 at the low end to $138,687 at the top. That 3.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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California State University-Stanislaus offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $63,188 against $6,067 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Solano Community College, at $4,669 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: California Institute of Technology graduates 94% of its students, well above the 73% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Stanford University: graduates owe only 0.10× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Stanford University ($124,080 earnings), not the highest earner, Harvey Mudd College ($138,687). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Solano Community College ($4,669/yr) and Pepperdine University ($58,098/yr) produce graduates earning $44,170 and $82,939 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $53,429 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, California State University-Stanislaus outperforms Harvey Mudd College: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with California State University-Stanislaus and California Institute of Technology. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $72K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Stanford University #1 overall | $124,080 ▲ +64% vs avg | $13,807 | 92% | 89 |
| 2 Pomona College #2 overall | $77,779 ▲ +3% vs avg | $19,285 | 93% | 87 |
| 3 California Institute of Technology #3 overall | $128,566 ▲ +70% vs avg | $16,075 | 94% | 84 |
| $78,445 ▲ +3% vs avg | $25,447 | 68% | 83 | |
| $104,736 ▲ +38% vs avg | $28,849 | 93% | 82 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in California
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $75,838 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 73% and an average net price of $24,453.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: California State University-Stanislaus — Net Price: $6,067 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: California Institute of Technology — 94% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Harvey Mudd College — Median alumni earnings: $138,687
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
California Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in California?
$70,986
Median earnings (10yr)
75%
Median graduation rate
$22,060
Median net price
2.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across California serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 75%. Median graduate earnings reach $70,986 ten years after enrollment, roughly $22,986 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $22,060 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $18,000. Some 30% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.5%.
For California, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $22,060 and graduates earning a median of $70,986, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Stanford University lands at #1 with a 89/100 composite, led by academic quality (97/100) and pulled down by social mobility (83/100). Graduates earn a median $124,080 a decade after enrolling, 64% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,807 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Pomona College lands at #2 with a 87/100 composite, led by academic quality (96/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (77/100). Graduates earn a median $77,779 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,285 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
California Institute of Technology lands at #3 with a 84/100 composite, led by academic quality (96/100) and pulled down by social mobility (82/100). Graduates earn a median $128,566 a decade after enrolling, 70% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,075 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of the Pacific lands at #4 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $78,445 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,447 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Claremont McKenna College lands at #5 with a 82/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $104,736 a decade after enrolling, 38% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,849 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Scripps College lands at #6 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $77,539 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,294 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of California-San Diego lands at #7 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $84,943 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,470 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Southern California lands at #8 with a 77/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $92,498 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,740 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of California-Davis lands at #9 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (63/100). Graduates earn a median $80,838 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,741 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 9% accepted · $12,548 net
Why it ranks #10
University of California-Los Angeles lands at #10 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $82,511 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of San Diego lands at #11 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $86,522 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,365 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
San Francisco State University lands at #12 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Harvey Mudd College lands at #13 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $138,687 a decade after enrolling, 83% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,924 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Pitzer College lands at #14 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $69,512 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,191 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Santa Clara University lands at #15 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $109,183 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,062 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
University of California-Berkeley lands at #16 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,446 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,481 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Occidental College lands at #17 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $75,951 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,263 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of California-Irvine lands at #18 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $80,735 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,251 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of California-Riverside lands at #19 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $67,699 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,304 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Sonoma State University lands at #20 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $65,986 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,885 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
California Lutheran University lands at #21 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $68,712 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,109 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
University of California-Merced lands at #22 with a 74/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (67/100). Graduates earn a median $64,368 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,983 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
San Diego State University lands at #23 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,909 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Costa Mesa, CA · 62% accepted · $21,241 net
Why it ranks #24
Vanguard University of Southern California lands at #24 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $59,541 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,241 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Santa Barbara, CA · 33% accepted · $16,109 net
Why it ranks #25
University of California-Santa Barbara lands at #25 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $74,915 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,109 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Dominican University of California lands at #26 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $84,713 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,333 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Saint Mary's College of California lands at #27 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $78,812 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,378 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
University of California-Santa Cruz lands at #28 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $68,396 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,890 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
University of Redlands lands at #29 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $72,690 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,031 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Westmont College lands at #30 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $64,778 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,053 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Pepperdine University lands at #31 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $82,939 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $58,098 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
University of La Verne lands at #32 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $65,464 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,161 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Loyola Marymount University lands at #33 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $78,349 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,381 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Whittier College lands at #34 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $59,492 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,757 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Point Loma Nazarene University lands at #35 with a 70/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $63,998 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $38,729 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
University of San Francisco lands at #36 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $89,812 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,431 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
San Luis Obispo, CA · 31% accepted · $16,665 net
Why it ranks #37
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo lands at #37 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $90,768 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,665 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Chapman University lands at #38 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $70,070 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $46,555 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Biola University lands at #39 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $56,778 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,495 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Napa Valley College lands at #40 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,517 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,644 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Solano Community College lands at #41 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $44,170 a decade after enrolling, 42% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,669 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Long Beach, CA · 46% accepted · $10,440 net
Why it ranks #42
California State University-Long Beach lands at #42 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $64,403 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,440 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Pomona, CA · 75% accepted · $11,531 net
Why it ranks #43
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona lands at #43 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $71,902 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,531 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
La Sierra University lands at #44 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (24/100). Graduates earn a median $61,824 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $45,566 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Glendale Community College lands at #45 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $41,540 a decade after enrolling, 45% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
California State University-Fullerton lands at #46 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,951 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,555 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #47 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
California Baptist University lands at #48 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $61,504 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,285 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
National University lands at #49 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Santa Clarita, CA · 84% accepted · $32,647 net
Why it ranks #50
The Master's University and Seminary lands at #50 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $57,106 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $32,647 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
California is home to some of the best biology programs in the country, attracting students eager to explore the life sciences. With an average earning potential of $72,501 for graduates, these schools offer a pathway into a rewarding career. As we consider these options, understanding the nuances of each program becomes essential for making an informed choice.
What sets the leading biology colleges apart are their outcomes — specifically, factors like graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt. The schools highlighted below have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic success and post-graduation opportunities. By focusing on earnings and graduation rates, we can see which institutions are not only educating students but also preparing them for a prosperous future.
Take Stanford University and Pomona College, for instance. Stanford graduates earn an impressive $124,080, while Pomona's graduates earn $77,779. However, Pomona has a slightly higher graduation rate at 93% compared to Stanford's 92%. These contrasts illustrate important trade-offs between earning potential and program completion that prospective students should consider as they navigate their choices.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 36 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.5%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Glendale Community College leads the group at 7.1%, with University of the Pacific (4.3%) and University of Southern California (3.9%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Glendale Community College enrolls the most, at 32.4%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 39.6% across the list, peaking at 74.4% at Harvey Mudd College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.77, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Chapman University is highest at 1.90.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Looking closer at Stanford University and the University of California-San Diego reveals interesting insights. While Stanford leads in earnings at $124,080, UCSD graduates earn $84,943 but face a higher debt load of $15,500 compared to Stanford’s $12,000. This difference prompts us to consider how debt impacts financial outcomes after graduation.
As you sift through this list of 50 schools, think about what matters most for your situation. Are you prioritizing low debt, high earnings, or a supportive campus environment? Each college has its unique strengths, so weigh these metrics against your personal goals and financial realities. It can be helpful to create a list of your non-negotiables and see how each school aligns with your priorities.
The path from college to a stable life is shaped by the choices you make today. With biology degrees leading to various career opportunities, understanding the financial landscape is critical. Whether it’s one family’s decision to invest in a high-earning program or another’s choice for a smaller, supportive environment, each decision will play a significant role in shaping their future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in California: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in California ranking? +
Stanford University in Stanford, CA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in California ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $124,080 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 92% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Harvey Mudd College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $138,687 ten years after enrollment, well above the $75,838 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, California State University-Stanislaus leads: graduates earn a median $63,188 against net price of about $6,067 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
California Institute of Technology has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 94%, compared with a 73% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $24,453 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Solano Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $4,669. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in California ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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