2023 Best Value Colleges for General Biology (Income $0-$30k) in California
55
Ranked Colleges
14,408
Degrees Awarded
$7,200
Avg Net Price*
Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
General Biology is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 5th of all the majors we analyze. In 2020-2021, 107,165 degrees were awarded to students with this major. In 2019-2020, general biology graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $28,334 and had an average of $23,818 in loans still to pay off.
Across California, there were 14,408 general biology graduates with average earnings and debt of $30,117 and $20,221 respectively.
This year’s “Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 55 colleges that offered a degree in general biology. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent general biology programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.
When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the general biology program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.
More Ways to Rank General Biology Schools
The biology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k”.
In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.
Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k
The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k.
Top 25 Best Value Colleges for General Biology (Income $0-$30k) in California
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Stanford University is a fairly large school located in Stanford, California that handed out 114 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at Stanford, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Stanford is $1,233 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Full Stanford University General Biology Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of California - Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 248 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
UC Berkeley also took the #2 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Berkeley is $8,450 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Biology at University of California - Berkeley
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Los Angeles. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. UCLA is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 532 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
UCLA also took the #3 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,037 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of California - Los Angeles.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full University of California - Los Angeles General Biology Report
Out of the 55 schools in the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #4 spot on the list. This large school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 469 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $0-$30k list, UCSD has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UCSD is $9,823 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Biology at University of California - San Diego
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Los Angeles. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 136 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Cal State LA is $1,887 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read more about General Biology at California State University - Los Angeles
University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 377 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
UCSB also made our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list, coming in at #6. It costs about $10,568 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UCSB.
With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full UCSB General Biology Report
With a ranking of #7, San Diego State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. SDSU is a large school located in San Diego, California that handed out 309 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
SDSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend San Diego State University is $7,169 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.
Read more about General Biology at SDSU
California State University - Fresno landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - Fresno is located in Fresno, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 152 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
It costs about $3,859 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - Fresno.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%.
Read full report on General Biology at Fresno State
California State University - Stanislaus came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Turlock, California, and it awarded 117 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend California State University - Stanislaus is $4,122 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%.
Read more about General Biology at California State University - Stanislaus
California State University - Fullerton ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school awarded 189 degrees to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for Cal State Fullerton is $4,590 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.
Read full report on General Biology at California State University - Fullerton
University of California - Davis did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. Located in Davis, California, this large public school handed out 364 degrees to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.
UC Davis not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for UC Davis is $10,006 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%.
Read full report on General Biology at University of California - Davis
University of California - Riverside landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Riverside, California, this large public school handed out 624 diplomas to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.
UCR also made our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list, coming in at #13. It costs about $6,810 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of California - Riverside.
With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full UCR General Biology Report
California State University - Sacramento did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #13. Sac State is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 278 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
Sac State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Sacramento is $8,163 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full Sac State General Biology Report
California State University - Long Beach landed the #14 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - Long Beach is located in Long Beach, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 257 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
CSULB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for CSULB is $6,663 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full California State University - Long Beach General Biology Report
San Diego Mesa College landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. San Diego Mesa College is a fairly large school located in San Diego, California that handed out 121 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $4,672 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend San Diego Mesa College.
Read more about General Biology at San Diego Mesa College
Reedley College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Reedley, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 155 students in 2020-2021.
The yearly cost to attend Reedley College is $4,843 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Read more about General Biology at Reedley College
With a ranking of #17, University of California - Irvine did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 749 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC Irvine has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $6,540 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of California - Irvine.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.
Read more about General Biology at UC Irvine
California State University - San Bernardino ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. San Bernardino, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 126 students in 2020-2021.
It costs about $5,985 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State University - San Bernardino.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full California State University - San Bernardino General Biology Report
With a ranking of #19, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. CSUN is located in Northridge, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 324 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
The yearly cost to attend California State University - Northridge is $6,266 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Biology at CSUN
San Francisco State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #20. SFSU is located in San Francisco, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 402 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.
SFSU also made our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list, coming in at #11. The estimated yearly cost for SFSU is $10,705 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read full report on General Biology at SFSU
California State University - Dominguez Hills ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. CSUDH is a fairly large public school situated in Carson, California. It awarded 118 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Dominguez Hills is $2,657 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Biology at CSUDH
California State University - Bakersfield came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. CSUB is a fairly large public school situated in Bakersfield, California. It awarded 95 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
It costs about $5,238 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend CSUB.
Full CSUB General Biology Report
University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. This fairly large school is located in Santa Cruz, California, and it awarded 204 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $0-$30k list, UC Santa Cruz has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Cruz is $11,038 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full University of California - Santa Cruz General Biology Report
University of Southern California landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s biology degrees to 86 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $0-$30k list, USC has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Southern California is $17,287 for california biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.
Read full report on General Biology at USC
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and it awarded 223 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $0-$30k list, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $12,173 for California Biology students whose families make $0-$30k.
With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full Cal Poly San Luis Obispo General Biology Report
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