Compare 25 Biophysics. programs in California. Average earnings: $48,941.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Biophysics tells a different story. Across 25 programs in California, earnings range from $33,993 to $78,496—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Loyola Marymount University's Biophysics program leads with graduates earning $78,496, well above the $48,941 state average. University of Southern California follows at $72,935, while University of San Diego rounds out the top three at $70,621—proving that program-level excellence drives outcomes beyond institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Davis graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 4.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Cal State Fullerton leads with a 10.5% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $78,496
Strong outcomes ($65,680) with 96% acceptance
4.1% payment burden | Excellent
10.5% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $78,496 | 18 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | Challenging |
| #2 | $72,935 | 24 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $70,621 | 27 | $22,940 | Excellent | $56,559 | High |
| #4 | $65,761 | 201 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $65,680 | 28 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $65,436 | 61 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Good | |
| #7 | $61,419 | 240 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #8 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $59,817 | 20 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | High |
| #9 | $56,972 | 37 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $56,377 | 59 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $53,331 | 389 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $52,531 | 65 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $45,549 | 121 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $45,453 | 24 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $42,200 | 17 | $15,000 | Good | $22,665 | High | |
| #16 | $41,937 | 34 | $17,350 | Manageable | $18,031 | High | |
| #17 | $41,565 | 8 | $25,949 | Challenging | $23,250 | High | |
| #18 | $41,157 | 62 | $13,000 | Good | $12,526 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $41,025 | 16 | $15,000 | Good | $16,507 | High | |
| #20 | $33,993 | 16 | $21,669 | High | $32,125 | High | |
| #21 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $31,839 | 16 | $19,162 | High | $56,271 | High |
| #22 | $26,380 | 27 | $14,505 | High | $12,050 | High | |
| #23 | $26,353 | 27 | $22,990 | High | $38,376 | High | |
| #24 | $25,194 | 22 | $16,552 | High | $17,585 | High | |
| #25 | $21,508 | 75 | $13,993 | High | $26,465 | High |
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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
