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

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,088/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs Top 10%

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 $703K $691K $605K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 11.9x 10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,534
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,429
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,088/yr, edging above the $37,397 national average for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences — 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/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences'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/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 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.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

With a 63% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz is moderately selective, enrolling 17,812 students in Santa Cruz, CA.

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

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of California-Santa Cruz?
A score of 56/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences field.
Will AI replace Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $605,498 in decade earnings vs $703,022 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →