Program Analysis
Graduates earn $45,088/yr, edging above the $37,397 national average for Cell Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cell Biology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Cell Biology's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.
At $18,534 in median debt against $45,088 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
Ranked #4 of 39 programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's Cell Biology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $79,429 show a 76% jump from the $45,088 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.