Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at John Carroll University

John Carroll's cellular biology program shows limited sample sizes—a common issue with smaller specialized programs—but national peer data suggests first-year earnings around $35,400. That puts graduates roughly $5,000 below what their counterparts at higher-performing biology programs make nationwide. For a degree with strong pre-med or research intentions, these figures likely reflect graduates taking lab technician roles or continuing to graduate school, which temporarily depresses earnings.

The estimated $17,500 in debt is manageable, translating to roughly six months of gross pay. This is actually below the national median for biology programs, which typically leave students with over $20,000 in loans. At a school where 80% of applicants gain admission and average SATs sit around 1300, you're likely looking at solid instruction without elite-tier gatekeeping or pricing.

The real question is what comes next. If your student is pre-med or pre-PhD, these first-year numbers are almost irrelevant—they'll be in school, not working. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, understand that entry-level biology jobs pay modestly. The debt load won't be crushing, but the path to higher earnings typically requires additional credentials. Talk specifically about career intentions before banking on this investment.