Program Analysis
At $36,140 per year, Biology, General graduates from University of California-Merced earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology, General programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology, General's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $18,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #126 of 822 nationally, this is a top-5% Biology, General program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $67,342 show a 86% jump from the $36,140 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.