Biostatistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Biostatistics is a rigorous, data-driven discipline that applies advanced statistical methods to solve complex problems in biomedical science, public health, and healthcare innovation. This field equips professionals with the analytical tools to design robust studies, interpret clinical data, and support evidence-based decision-making across diverse human health contexts.
- Mathematical Statistics: Foundations in probability theory, distribution models, and statistical inference to build a strong quantitative base for data analysis.
- Statistical Modeling: Development and application of predictive and explanatory models to simulate biological processes and assess treatment effects.
- Clinical Trials Methodology: Principles for designing, analyzing, and evaluating controlled experiments in medical research to ensure validity and ethical standards.
- Disease and Survival Analysis: Techniques to estimate disease progression, treatment outcomes, and time-to-event data in patient populations.
- Longitudinal Analysis: Methods for analyzing data collected over time to understand trends, individual trajectories, and dynamic health changes.
- Missing Data Analysis: Advanced approaches to handle incomplete datasets, preserving data integrity and reducing bias in research findings.
- Spatial Analysis: Use of geographic information systems and spatial statistics to explore disease patterns and health disparities across regions.
- Computer Tomography (CT) Data Integration: Application of statistical techniques to interpret and validate imaging data in diagnostic and research settings.
- Biostatistics Consulting: Training in communicating statistical insights to non-technical stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies.
- Applied Domains: Real-world application across genetics, oncology, pharmacokinetics, physiology, neurobiology, and biophysics to address pressing challenges in human health and biomedical discovery.
Biostatistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Biostatistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Biostatistics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Statisticians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 701,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1022 | $79,350 | $48,150 - $161,020 | 48,820 | N/A |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
Salary Comparison
Biostatistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,588 in Hawaii to $124,766 in California—a 77% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 701,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Biostatistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 91 institutions offering Biostatistics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Biostatistics is found at Columbia University in the City of New York (163 graduates), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (120 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (107 graduates), New York University (NYU) (107 graduates), and Duke University (81 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,546 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
163 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
120 |
SAT: 1370-1530 ACT: 30-34 |
Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
107 |
SAT: 1350-1530 ACT: 31-34 |
Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
|
107 |
SAT: 1480-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
81 |
SAT: 1510-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
66 |
SAT: 1400-1520 ACT: 32-34 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Emory University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
59 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
50 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
47 |
SAT: 1020-1250 ACT: 19-27 |
Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1530-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
31 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
30 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
29 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Master's
|
28 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 33-35 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
27 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 33-35 |
New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Brown University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
25 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
22 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
22 | N/A | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 1390-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1210-1430 ACT: 26-31 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 | N/A | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | ohsu.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13 | N/A | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13 |
SAT: 1230-1430 ACT: 27-33 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 | N/A | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 | N/A | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 1510-1560 ACT: 34-35 |
Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 940-1190 ACT: 21-28 |
Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 |
SAT: 990-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 | N/A | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1080-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1390-1510 ACT: 31-33 |
New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
8 |
SAT: 1300-1480 ACT: 29-33 |
Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) |
Master's
|
8 | N/A | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1040-1230 ACT: 21-28 |
Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1350-1500 ACT: 31-34 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1180-1380 ACT: 26-32 |
Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1200-1360 ACT: 27-31 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNR) |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Reno, Nevada | Public | unr.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Temple University |
Master's
|
5 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| East Tennessee State University (ETSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 |
SAT: 950-1170 ACT: 19-26 |
Johnson City, Tennessee | Public | etsu.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 |
SAT: 1290-1450 ACT: 28-32 |
Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1030-1270 ACT: 22-30 |
Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 | N/A | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | mcw.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 980-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 | N/A | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 905-1205 ACT: 17-24 |
Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| University of North Texas Health Science Center |
Master's
|
4 | N/A | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | unthsc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Master's
|
4 | ACT: 18-24 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1020-1230 ACT: 19-26 |
Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1130-1400 ACT: 22-30 |
Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Emmanuel College |
Bachelor's
|
3 |
SAT: 1170-1330 ACT: 26-31 |
Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emmanuel.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Other Award
|
3 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Icahn School of Medicine (ISMMS) |
Master's
|
3 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | icahn.mssm.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Master's
|
3 | N/A | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 | N/A | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | web.musc.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1320-1480 ACT: 30-34 |
Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 | N/A | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | uthsc.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1020-1210 ACT: 21-29 |
University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1400-1540 ACT: 31-34 |
Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
2 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Claremont Graduate University (CGU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
1 | N/A | Claremont, California | Private | cgu.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1470 ACT: 25-32 |
Newark, New Jersey | Public | njit.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1050-1200 ACT: 20-26 |
Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1050-1300 ACT: 22-28 |
Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 27-31 |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| University of Scranton |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1150-1320 ACT: 25-30 |
Scranton, Pennsylvania | Private | scranton.edu |
| University of Vermont (UVM) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1250-1420 ACT: 29-32 |
Burlington, Vermont | Public | uvm.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Biostatistics programs
How much can I earn with a Biostatistics degree?
Salaries for Biostatistics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $124,766 compared to $70,588 in Hawaii. Approximately 701,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Biostatistics programs?
Currently 91 accredited institutions offer Biostatistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Columbia University in the City of New York (163 graduates), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill (120 graduates), and University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (107 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Biostatistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 480 in 2010 to 1,546 in 2023-24. This represents a 222% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Biostatistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and Statisticians. Related occupations employ approximately 701,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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