Compare 5 Packaging Science. programs in California. Average earnings: $90,109.
The highest-earning Packaging Science program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $75K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Stanford's Packaging Science program leads with graduates earning $141,630, far above the $90,109 average. But University of The Pacific ($89,114) and Cal State Chico ($79,708) demonstrate that strong outcomes don't require elite admissions—Pacific accepts 95% of applicants while delivering competitive earnings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Stanford graduates borrow $12,000 and face just a 1.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making the premium program surprisingly affordable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stanford UniversityPrivate | $141,630 | 76 | $12,000 | Excellent | $38,333 | Excellent |
| #2 | University Of The PacificPrivate | $89,114 | 9 | $19,500 | Excellent | $50,438 | Manageable |
| #3 | $79,708 | 45 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Good | |
| #4 | $73,234 | 28 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Art Center College Of DesignPrivate | $66,860 | 57 | $31,000 | Good | $66,614 | 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 →
