Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Brandeis University

A biology degree from a selective university like Brandeis—with a 35% admission rate and 1473 average SAT—would normally command premium starting salaries, but the estimated $35,400 first-year earnings here fall surprisingly short. Comparable biology programs in Massachusetts report dramatically higher outcomes: Northeastern's graduates earn $65,500 and Harvard's earn $51,500 in their first year. Even the statewide median of $58,600 for these programs sits 65% above what peer programs nationally suggest Brandeis biology graduates might expect. That gap raises real questions about whether this program delivers the career preparation you'd anticipate from an institution of this caliber.

The estimated $17,500 in debt is notably lower than both the national median ($20,400) and state median ($22,200) for biology programs, which helps the financial picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.50, graduates from similar programs typically manage their loans without excessive strain. However, the earnings shortfall remains the central concern—at these estimated salary levels, you're looking at wages more typical of lab technician roles than positions requiring a four-year biology degree from a competitive university.

Before committing to this specific path, determine whether these low estimated earnings reflect students pursuing graduate school (common in biology) rather than immediate employment, or whether career support genuinely lags behind peer institutions. If most graduates continue to medical school or PhD programs, the first-year number becomes less relevant; if they're entering the workforce, this program appears to underperform its regional competition significantly.