Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola's cellular biology bachelor's comes with an estimated debt load of $17,500—slightly above Louisiana's median for similar programs but meaningfully below the national figure of $20,422. That's a reasonable start, but the earnings picture based on national peer programs tells a more challenging story. First-year earnings around $35,400 put graduates at the national median for this field, which means half of cellular biology programs produce stronger immediate outcomes.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests manageable monthly payments, but context matters here. Cellular biology is typically a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree—most graduates either pursue graduate school, medical school, or pivot into adjacent healthcare or research roles. That $35,400 estimate reflects the immediate job market for bachelor's-level positions in lab work or related fields, which tend to pay modestly until you advance or specialize. If your child is planning on graduate education, factor in additional borrowing. If they're considering entering the workforce directly, understand that career progression will be essential to justify even this moderate debt load.

The real question is whether Loyola specifically—with its 88% admission rate and smaller program size—offers advantages that these national estimates can't capture, like research opportunities, medical school placement rates, or professional connections in New Orleans' healthcare sector. Those factors could make the investment worthwhile despite the modest starting salary trajectory suggested by comparable programs.