Compare 62 Virology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $58,250. Top programs: $103,546+.
The highest-earning Virology program isn't at the most prestigious school. With an $82K earnings gap across 62 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Public universities dominate the top of this list, proving that where you study virology matters far more than how selective your school is overall.
Topping the list, University of California-Berkeley's Virology program delivers $103,546 in median earnings — well above the $58,250 average across all 62 programs. Clemson University and San Diego State University both clear $81,000, demonstrating that regional public institutions compete directly with more selective schools on the outcomes that matter most.
For families weighing the full cost, Brigham Young University stands out: graduates carry just $20,768 in combined family debt and face a 6.9% family payment burden — squarely in the 'Excellent' affordability tier. UC-Berkeley's virology graduates fare even better on student-only debt, with a 2.2% burden on $13,000 borrowed. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $103,546
Strong outcomes ($77,163) with 75% acceptance
2.2% payment burden | Excellent
6.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $103,546 | 44 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $90,061 | 38 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Good | |
| #3 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $81,526 | 55 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,463 | Manageable |
| #4 | $81,122 | 25 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Good | |
| #5 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $77,163 | 23 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Manageable |
| #6 | $76,384 | 26 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $74,888 | 19 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Good | |
| #8 | $74,343 | 87 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Good | |
| #9 | $73,988 | 29 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Good | |
| #10 | $73,944 | 95 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Good | |
| #11 | $72,295 | 48 | $17,500 | Excellent | $18,275 | Good | |
| #12 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $69,628 | 78 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,443 | Manageable |
| #13 | $69,269 | 51 | $20,000 | Excellent | $36,000 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $69,128 | 14 | $19,509 | Excellent | $32,850 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $68,454 | 37 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,958 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $68,398 | 34 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $68,397 | 74 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $67,253 | 24 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $66,642 | 66 | $22,763 | Excellent | $26,243 | Manageable | |
| #20 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $66,603 | 97 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #21 | $66,355 | 36 | $18,922 | Excellent | $26,150 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $66,222 | 57 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #23 | University Of KansasPublic | $65,861 | 42 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Challenging |
| #24 | Wagner CollegePrivate | $65,814 | 8 | — | — | — | — |
| #25 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $65,502 | 60 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Manageable |
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 →
