Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Liberty University

A debt load of $17,500 for a biology degree yielding roughly $35,400 in first-year earnings—both figures estimated from peer programs—suggests a manageable starting point, but context matters here. These estimates come from national medians because Liberty's cohort of cellular biology graduates is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That's neither unusual nor necessarily problematic for specialized bachelor's programs, but it does mean you're working with less certainty about what Liberty specifically delivers.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 looks reasonable on paper, sitting well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, cellular biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in medicine, research, or other health professions rather than endpoints themselves. If your student plans to continue their education—and many do in this field—that $17,500 is just the beginning of their borrowing story. The first-year salary becomes less relevant if they're heading to med school or a PhD program rather than entering the workforce.

For families considering Liberty's program as a direct path to employment, the estimated numbers suggest financial feasibility but not prosperity. The real question is whether this degree aligns with your student's next step. If they're planning graduate school, focus on minimizing undergraduate debt. If they're aiming for lab technician roles or similar positions right after graduation, understand that these estimates represent a starting salary that will require careful budgeting.