Best colleges for Biotechnology in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, University of California-Davis leads: its Biotechnology graduates earn a median $87,406 four years after finishing, against the field's $67,097 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Davis | $87,406 | +$20,309 |
| 2 | California State University-San Marcos | $76,622 | +$9,525 |
| 3 | California State University-Northridge | $73,542 | +$6,445 |
| 4 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $73,152 | +$6,055 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Biotechnology?
By graduate earnings, University of California-Davis — its Biotechnology bachelor's graduates earn a median $87,406 four years out, the highest of the 4 California programs in the federal file.
What do Biotechnology graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $73,152 to $87,406. The field's national median is $67,097.
Is a Biotechnology degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Biotechnology graduates earn $18,737/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.