Best Biology, General Degrees in California by ROI
Colleges in California ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in California
6
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$109,778
Across California programs
Average Annual Cost
$12,848
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
San Diego Miramar College
Grad rate: 43.1% |
+$172,649 | $52,214 | $11,428 | $6,500 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
San Diego Mesa College
Grad rate: 33.8% |
-$75,362 | $40,042 | $12,964 | $7,611 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Reedley College
Grad rate: 37.5% |
-$86,121 | $39,274 | $11,413 | $6,500 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
El Camino Community College District
Grad rate: 35.9% |
-$186,432 | $34,016 | $13,376 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
San Diego City College
Grad rate: 23.9% |
-$209,155 | $33,509 | $13,255 | $9,500 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
San Bernardino Valley College
Grad rate: 20.6% |
-$274,250 | $29,753 | $14,655 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Biology, General Degrees by State
Browse Biology, General programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.