Compare 166 Biophysics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $55,247. Top programs: $90,787+.
Biophysics programs produce graduates earning between $14,627 and $90,787—a $76K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 166 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The average sits at $55,247, meaning the best programs deliver earnings nearly 65% above the field midpoint.
Topping the list, the University of Notre Dame's Biophysics program delivers $90,787 in median earnings—but the more revealing story is what follows. UC Santa Barbara, a public university admitting 33% of applicants, produces graduates earning $90,694, nearly identical to Notre Dame's figure. The University of New Hampshire, accepting 88% of applicants, still lands at $87,075—well above the $55,247 field average. Prestige isn't the predictor here; program quality is.
For students borrowing independently, UC Santa Barbara leads on affordability: graduates carry just $13,993 in student debt and face a 2.8% payment burden—easily within the 'Excellent' tier, meaning loan payments take a trivial share of post-grad income. For families weighing combined borrowing, California State University-Long Beach delivers a 7.6% family burden on $29,466 in total debt—also 'Excellent'—while its graduates still earn $79,820. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $90,787
Strong outcomes ($88,305) with 66% acceptance rate
2.8% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
7.6% family burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $90,787 | 32 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #2 | $90,694 | 74 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Good | |
| #3 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $90,612 | 82 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Manageable |
| #4 | $88,305 | 49 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Good | |
| #5 | $87,075 | 27 | $26,814 | Excellent | $36,545 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $85,296 | 23 | $21,974 | Excellent | $17,163 | Good | |
| #7 | University Of San DiegoPrivate | $83,380 | 26 | $22,940 | Excellent | $56,559 | Challenging |
| #8 | University Of KansasPublic | $81,568 | 79 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Manageable |
| #9 | $81,519 | 43 | $22,000 | Excellent | $24,693 | Good | |
| #10 | University Of VermontPublic | $80,593 | 58 | $20,951 | Excellent | $48,000 | Challenging |
| #11 | $80,470 | 57 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Temple UniversityPublic | $80,364 | 39 | $24,395 | Excellent | $36,495 | Manageable |
| #13 | $79,820 | 66 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Excellent | |
| #14 | $79,510 | 52 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $78,721 | 56 | $19,509 | Excellent | $32,850 | Manageable | |
| #16 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $78,496 | 25 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | Challenging |
| #17 | $78,097 | 39 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $77,863 | 16 | $16,544 | Excellent | $15,738 | Good | |
| #19 | $77,853 | 158 | $22,763 | Excellent | $26,243 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $77,336 | 81 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $77,048 | 29 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Good | |
| #22 | $76,134 | 41 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Good | |
| #23 | $75,765 | 27 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,859 | Good | |
| #24 | $75,493 | 59 | $19,500 | Excellent | $26,987 | Manageable | |
| #25 | Boston CollegePrivate | $75,274 | 45 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,000 | Challenging |
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 →
