Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Central Washington University

Based on comparable programs in Washington, a biology degree from Central Washington appears to track with state norms—first-year earnings around $39,225 put graduates roughly on par with peers at Western Washington and slightly above the national median for this field. The estimated $21,000 in debt sits just below national averages, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. That's a reasonable starting point, though the modest first-year salary means loan payments will still require careful budgeting.

The challenge here is context: biology bachelor's degrees are often stepping stones to graduate programs in medicine, research, or allied health fields rather than immediate career endpoints. Similar programs in Washington show starting salaries ranging from $35,822 to $42,075, suggesting the field itself doesn't offer dramatic earnings variation at entry level. If your student plans to work immediately after graduation, understand that $39,000 will stretch differently in different parts of the state—Ellensburg dollars go further than Seattle dollars.

The key question is what comes next. If this degree is a prerequisite for medical school, pharmacy, or graduate research, the investment makes sense as part of a longer educational path. If your student intends to enter the workforce directly, they should explore what specific careers in biology pay locally and whether additional certifications might boost earning potential. The debt load is modest enough to remain manageable either way, but the earning trajectory depends heavily on post-graduation choices.