Compare 208 Biological and Physical Sciences. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $54,155. Top programs: $171,261+.
Biological and Physical Sciences programs produce graduates earning between $13,702 and $171,261—a $157K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 208 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average of $54,155 sits far below the top performers, proving the name on the diploma isn't the deciding factor.
Topping the list, University of the Pacific's Biological and Physical Sciences program delivers $171,261 in median earnings—more than three times the $54,155 national average. That's not a typo: a private university in Stockton, CA with a 71% acceptance rate outperforms Yale (#2, $130,467) and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#3, $128,291). Program selection, not school prestige, explains the gap.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of the Pacific graduates borrow $19,500 in student loans and face just a 1.8% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families weighing total borrowing, Thomas Edison State University leads with a 4.1% family burden on combined debt of $23,959—also 'Excellent'—showing that strong outcomes and low debt can coexist outside the most selective schools. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $171,261
Strong outcomes ($171,261) with 71% acceptance rate
1.8% payment burden | Excellent
4.1% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $171,261 | 81 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | Excellent |
| #2 | Yale UniversityPrivate | $130,467 | 68 | $12,975 | Excellent | $29,769 | Excellent |
| #3 | $128,291 | 11 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Excellent | |
| #4 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $110,622 | 60 | $23,250 | Excellent | $39,000 | Good |
| #5 | $109,395 | 440 | $12,500 | Excellent | $11,459 | Excellent | |
| #6 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $102,801 | 57 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Good |
| #7 | University Of RichmondPrivate | $90,369 | 56 | $21,000 | Excellent | $30,512 | Good |
| #8 | $88,319 | 19 | $20,500 | Excellent | $11,092 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $87,791 | 59 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #10 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | $86,559 | 279 | $14,000 | Excellent | $30,844 | Good |
| #11 | $83,958 | 17 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Challenging | |
| #12 | American UniversityPrivate | $76,552 | 110 | $22,750 | Excellent | $39,169 | Manageable |
| #13 | $74,099 | 82 | $19,000 | Excellent | $51,114 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | $72,955 | 133 | $18,500 | Excellent | $27,270 | Manageable |
| #15 | $71,283 | 53 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,324 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $71,028 | 29 | $26,798 | Excellent | $26,073 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $70,947 | 8 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Good | |
| #18 | William & MaryPublic | $70,523 | 110 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Manageable |
| #19 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $70,101 | 40 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Challenging |
| #20 | $69,931 | 79 | $14,500 | Excellent | $13,507 | Good | |
| #21 | $69,102 | 86 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Challenging | |
| #22 | Trinity CollegePrivate | $68,998 | 9 | $23,000 | Excellent | $60,796 | High |
| #23 | $68,583 | 24 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Manageable | |
| #24 | Suffolk UniversityPrivate | $67,779 | 26 | $26,889 | Good | $38,234 | Challenging |
| #25 | University Of IowaPublic | $67,760 | 109 | $22,500 | Excellent | $27,975 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
