Compare 46 Biophysics. programs in the West. Average earnings: $45,611.
Biophysics programs produce graduates earning between $46K and $78K—a $32K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 46 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Loyola Marymount University's Biophysics program leads with graduates earning $78,496, followed by USC at $73K and University of San Diego at $71K. The average across all Western programs is $46K, showing how top performers significantly outpace the field through program-specific strengths.
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—still 'Good' affordability despite including parent loans.
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 | $64,863 | 44 | $20,000 | Excellent | $36,000 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $61,419 | 240 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $60,741 | 36 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Challenging | |
| #10 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $59,817 | 20 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | High |
| #11 | $56,972 | 37 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $56,377 | 59 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $55,230 | 39 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $53,331 | 389 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $52,531 | 65 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $51,989 | 78 | $19,500 | Good | $46,340 | High | |
| #17 | $51,351 | 73 | $18,450 | Good | $13,000 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $50,391 | 320 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $48,808 | 234 | $19,500 | Good | $23,519 | Challenging | |
| #20 | $45,799 | 14 | $21,500 | Manageable | $13,743 | Challenging | |
| #21 | $45,549 | 121 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $45,453 | 24 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $45,017 | 49 | $18,922 | Good | $26,150 | High | |
| #24 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $42,855 | 80 | $19,620 | Manageable | $30,126 | High |
| #25 | $42,200 | 17 | $15,000 | Good | $22,665 | 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 →
