Program Analysis
Graduates earn $29,506/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 27.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $29,506 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #62 of 822 programs, California State University-Northridge's Biology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $79,403 show a 169% jump from the $29,506 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.