Computational Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computational Biology is an interdisciplinary field that leverages advanced computational techniques to analyze, model, and interpret complex biological systems. This program equips students with the analytical and technical expertise to tackle large-scale biological data challenges through rigorous quantitative and algorithmic methods.
- Computational modeling of biological processes: Development and application of mathematical and simulation-based models to represent dynamic biological systems, such as metabolic pathways, gene regulatory networks, and cellular signaling.
- High-performance computing: Utilization of powerful computing architectures and parallel processing strategies to manage intensive data computations required in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology research.
- Database and data-algorithm development: Design and implementation of scalable databases and efficient algorithms for storing, retrieving, and processing vast biological datasets, including sequence information and functional annotations.
- Statistical and mathematical analysis: Application of advanced statistical frameworks and mathematical modeling to extract meaningful biological insights from noisy, high-dimensional data, supporting hypothesis testing and predictive inference.
- Computational project management: Integration of computational workflows with project planning and execution strategies to coordinate interdisciplinary research initiatives involving large-scale biological data acquisition and analysis.
Computational Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computational Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computational Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Data Scientists and Computer Occupations, All Other. 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 967,500 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 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other 15-1299 | $108,970 | $52,650 - $176,800 | 439,380 | $52.39 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
Salary Comparison
Computational Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,054 in Louisiana to $135,217 in California—a 93% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 967,500 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 Computational Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Computational Biology 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 Computational Biology is found at University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (48 graduates), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (46 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (26 graduates), Brown University (24 graduates), and Weill Medical College of Cornell University (WCMC) (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 321 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
48 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
46 |
SAT: 1510-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (R)
|
26 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| Weill Medical College of Cornell University (WCMC) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
23 | N/A | New York, New York | Private | weill.cornell.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
22 |
SAT: 1500-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
17 |
SAT: 1430-1540 ACT: 32-35 |
Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Princeton University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
14 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-35 |
Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
11 |
SAT: 1010-1255 ACT: 18-26 |
Camden, New Jersey | Public | camden.rutgers.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 |
SAT: 1240-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 990-1230 ACT: 18-26 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) |
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Houston, Texas | Private | bcm.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
7 |
SAT: 1240-1420 ACT: 27-32 |
Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Doctorate (R)
|
5 |
SAT: 1330-1530 ACT: 28-34 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 | N/A | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| Cornell University |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1480-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 980-1220 ACT: 21-27 |
Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1200-1360 ACT: 27-31 |
Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| Colby College |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-34 |
Waterville, Maine | Private | colby.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 |
SAT: 1120-1330 ACT: 25-31 |
Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
2 | N/A | Bronx, New York | Private | einsteinmed.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computational Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Computational Biology degree?
Salaries for Computational Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Data Scientists earn around $112,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,217 compared to $70,054 in Louisiana. Approximately 967,500 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 Computational Biology programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Computational Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (48 graduates), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (46 graduates), and University of Southern California (USC) (26 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 Computational Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 31 in 2010 to 321 in 2023-24. This represents a 935% 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 Computational Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Data Scientists, and Computer Occupations, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 967,500 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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