Program Analysis
Graduates earn $49,615/yr, roughly in line with the $48,121 national median for Biotechnology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 21.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $49,615 far exceeding the $16,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #6 out of 18 programs, California State University-San Marcos's Biotechnology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $49,615 to $75,425 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.