Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6 would normally suggest manageable finances, but that assumes these estimated figures reflect what CUNY Graduate School graduates actually experience—and there's reason for caution. Peer programs nationally suggest biology bachelor's recipients earn around $35,400 in their first year and carry roughly $21,000 in debt. However, New York's median debt for this credential sits notably lower at $16,750, which means if this program follows state patterns rather than national ones, the financial picture improves considerably.

The challenge is that biology bachelor's degrees are typically stepping stones rather than career endpoints. Many graduates pursue medical school, research positions, or graduate programs that boost earning potential but also add years of additional education and debt. That $35,000 first-year figure likely includes graduates working lab tech positions, pharmaceutical sales, or continuing education rather than established careers. For students planning advanced degrees, that initial debt load matters less than the program's ability to prepare them for the next stage.

Given CUNY Graduate School's 38% Pell Grant population and New York's competitive biology landscape, verify whether this specific program produces outcomes closer to state or national medians. The six biology programs across New York show considerable variation, and without actual data from this school, you're essentially betting on comparables that may not match your student's experience.