Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Northwest University

Borrowing an estimated $17,500 to earn around $39,000 in your first year creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—better than many biology programs. Based on comparable programs in Washington, Northwest's biology graduates appear positioned near the state median, though without actual outcomes for this specific program, it's difficult to know whether Northwest's smaller cohort outperforms or underperforms these estimates.

The bigger question is what students plan to do with this degree. Cell and anatomical sciences typically serve as pre-med or pre-graduate school pathways rather than terminal credentials. If your child intends to continue their education, these first-year earnings matter less than whether the program adequately prepares them for medical school, graduate programs, or professional certifications. The moderate debt load at least means they're not starting that next phase buried in undergraduate borrowing.

What's missing here is any track record showing where Northwest's biology graduates actually land. Do they get into competitive graduate programs? Pass medical school admission rates? Find research positions? With only estimates to work with, you're essentially betting on Northwest's academic rigor and advising quality without concrete proof of outcomes. Before committing, ask the department directly about placement rates, graduate school acceptances, and what percentage of students complete post-graduate training—the real measures of success for this type of program.