Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $38,527 at California State University-San Marcos come in 20% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology, General programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology, General programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology, General's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $23,750 represents roughly 7 months of the $38,527 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #6 of 822 Biology, General programs nationally, California State University-San Marcos sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $76,916 show a 100% jump from the $38,527 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.