Compare 11 Virology. programs in California. Average earnings: $46,261.
With top graduates earning $72,431, Virology stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $26K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The data puts University of California-Davis first, with Virology graduates earning $72,431. Across California's 11 programs, the average sits at $46,261, but UC Santa Barbara ($55,657) and Cal State Chico ($50,964) demonstrate how program-specific factors drive outcomes regardless of overall school reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Davis graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 3.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $72,431
Strong outcomes ($50,964) with 94% acceptance
3.6% payment burden | Excellent
11.7% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $72,431 | 61 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #2 | $55,657 | 32 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $50,964 | 17 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $49,690 | 130 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $45,360 | 22 | $15,000 | Good | $25,565 | High | |
| #6 | $43,798 | 20 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $43,608 | 49 | $15,500 | Good | $24,257 | High | |
| #8 | $41,565 | 39 | $13,000 | Good | $28,508 | High | |
| #9 | $39,266 | 29 | $13,000 | Good | $12,526 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $36,852 | 27 | $18,500 | Manageable | $35,000 | High | |
| #11 | $29,685 | 24 | $17,500 | High | $18,275 | 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 →
