Compare 14 Biotechnology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $65,981. Top programs: $90,565+.
Biotechnology programs produce graduates earning between $25,194 and $90,565—a $65K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 14 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The school with the highest biotechnology earnings isn't a household name, and that's exactly the point.
Topping the list, Worcester State University's Biotechnology program delivers $90,565 in median earnings—well above the $65,981 average across all 14 programs. Rutgers University–New Brunswick (#2, $87,600) and UC Davis (#4, $87,406) follow closely, with two large public universities matching a private institution at nearly identical outcomes. Program choice, not school name, drives these results.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Davis Biotechnology graduates borrow just $13,000 in student loans and face a 2.7% payment burden, the lowest among programs with GPS data, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' category. For families weighing parent loans too, Worcester State leads with a combined 8.0% family burden—also 'Excellent'—on $37,018 in total debt. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $90,565
Strong outcomes ($90,565) with 88% acceptance rate
2.7% payment burden | Excellent
8.0% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $90,565 | 15 | $19,500 | Excellent | $17,518 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $87,600 | 56 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Good | |
| #3 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $87,596 | 34 | $26,000 | Excellent | $39,841 | Manageable |
| #4 | $87,406 | 66 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #5 | University Of HoustonPublic | $78,750 | 82 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #6 | Endicott CollegePrivate | $78,735 | 15 | $27,000 | Excellent | $38,259 | Manageable |
| #7 | $76,622 | 32 | $17,350 | Excellent | $18,031 | Good | |
| #8 | $74,613 | 22 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $73,152 | 43 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #10 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $65,893 | 35 | $20,093 | Excellent | $37,285 | Challenging |
| #11 | $36,992 | 21 | — | — | — | — | |
| #12 | $35,416 | 25 | — | — | — | — | |
| #13 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $25,194 | 32 | — | — | — | — |
| #14 | University Of KentuckyPublic | $25,194 | 39 | — | — | — | — |
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 →
