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2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

55 Ranked Colleges
14,408 Degrees Awarded
$7,800 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

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 $30-$48k” ranking looked at 55 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in general biology. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great general biology programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the general biology program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank General Biology Schools

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for General Biology (Income $30-$48k) in California

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

Out of the 55 schools in the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #1 spot on the list. Stanford is a private not-for-profit institution located in Stanford, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 114 ’s 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. It costs about $1,581 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Stanford University.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 4 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 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about General Biology at Stanford

2

Out of the 55 schools in the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #2 spot on the list. University of California - Berkeley is located in Berkeley, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 248 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.

UC Berkeley also took the #2 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UC Berkeley is $9,999 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.8% 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 University of California - Berkeley

3

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Los Angeles. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. UCLA is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 532 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

UCLA also made our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list, coming in at #3. The estimated yearly cost for UCLA is $9,891 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% 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 University of California - Los Angeles

4

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 136 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $2,701 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cal State LA.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about General Biology at California State University - Los Angeles

5

Out of the 55 schools in the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #5 spot on the list. University of California - San Diego is a public institution located in La Jolla, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 469 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UCSD did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - San Diego is $11,176 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 UCSD

6

California State University - Fresno landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Fresno, California, and it awarded 152 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fresno is $4,655 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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

7

California State University - Stanislaus came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Turlock, California, this fairly large public school awarded 117 degrees to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Stan State is $4,903 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. 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%.

Read full report on General Biology at California State University - Stanislaus

8
Reedley College crest
Reedley College
Reedley, California

Reedley College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Reedley, California, this medium-sized public school awarded 155 diplomas to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Reedley College is $6,936 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about General Biology at Reedley College

9

University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. This large school is located in Santa Barbara, California, and it awarded 377 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $30-$48k list, UCSB has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UCSB is $11,606 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about General Biology at University of California - Santa Barbara

10
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

With a ranking of #10, San Diego State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 309 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california biology students whose families make $30-$48k list, SDSU has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend SDSU is $9,274 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, 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 89%.

Read full report on General Biology at San Diego State University

11

University of California - Riverside landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Riverside, California, this large public school awarded 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. The yearly cost to attend UCR is $8,193 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of California - Riverside General Biology Report

12

With a ranking of #12, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Sacramento, California, this large public school awarded 278 diplomas to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.

Sac State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Sacramento is $9,055 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Sacramento General Biology Report

13
San Diego Mesa College crest
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, California

San Diego Mesa College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. San Diego Mesa College is located in San Diego, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 121 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for San Diego Mesa College is $5,543 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on General Biology at San Diego Mesa College

14

University of California - Davis came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Davis, California, and it awarded 364 ’s biology degrees 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 $11,598 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full University of California - Davis General Biology Report

14

California State University - Fullerton came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 189 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $5,821 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cal State Fullerton.

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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Cal State Fullerton General Biology Report

16

California State University - Long Beach came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. CSULB is a public institution located in Long Beach, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 257 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSULB, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Long Beach is $7,573 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% 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 full report on General Biology at California State University - Long Beach

17

With a ranking of #17, California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Carson, California, this fairly large public school handed out 118 diplomas to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $3,329 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CSUDH.

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%.

Full California State University - Dominguez Hills General Biology Report

18

California State University - Bakersfield ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Bakersfield, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 95 students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - Bakersfield is $6,046 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on General Biology at California State University - Bakersfield

19

With a ranking of #19, California State University - San Bernardino did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in San Bernardino, California, and it awarded 126 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,613 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - San Bernardino.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about General Biology at CSUSB

20

With a ranking of #20, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Northridge, California, and it awarded 324 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $7,103 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% 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 - Northridge

21
San Diego City College crest
San Diego City College
San Diego, California

San Diego City College did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #21. Located in San Diego, California, this fairly large public school awarded 107 diplomas to qualified ’s biology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for San Diego City College is $5,815 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about General Biology at San Diego City College

22

University of California - Irvine ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. UC Irvine is located in Irvine, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 749 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.

UC Irvine did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best General Biology Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Irvine is $8,449 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% 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 University of California - Irvine

23

With a ranking of #23, California State University - East Bay did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Hayward, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s biology degrees to 123 students in 2020-2021.

Cal State East Bay also took the #24 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $11,025 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cal State East Bay.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal State East Bay General Biology Report

24

University of California - Santa Cruz ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Santa Cruz is a fairly large school located in Santa Cruz, California that handed out 204 ’s biology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Santa Cruz, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $12,049 for california biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UC Santa Cruz.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, 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 85%.

Full UC Santa Cruz General Biology Report

25

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Biology Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is located in Pomona, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 272 ’s biology degrees to qualified students.

Cal Poly Pomona also took the #21 spot in our “Best General Biology Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $12,992 for California Biology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on General Biology at Cal Poly Pomona

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