Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,734/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 20.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $635K $627K $559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.5x 20.3x 18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,200
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,462
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,329
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of California State University-San Marcos's Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program earn $49,734/yr in their first year — 33% above the $37,397 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 20.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,462 in median debt against $49,734 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California State University-San Marcos ranks #2 among 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $49,734 to $72,329 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-San Marcos

California State University-San Marcos has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,174 in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at California State University-San Marcos?
At 62/100, California State University-San Marcos's Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at California State University-San Marcos?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-San Marcos one of the best schools for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences?
Among 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs, California State University-San Marcos's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →