Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,333/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs

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 $556K $553K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.2x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,300
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,001
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Santa Barbara's Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program produces graduates earning $38,333/yr — within striking distance of the $37,397 national average for this field.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,000 in median debt clears quickly against $38,333 in annual earnings.

A #26 ranking among 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs places University of California-Santa Barbara in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $38,333 to $57,001 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Santa Barbara

Admission to University of California-Santa Barbara is competitive, with 28% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 23,205 in Santa Barbara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of California-Santa Barbara?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of California-Santa Barbara?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →