Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Rowan University

Based on peer programs nationwide, Rowan's cellular biology bachelor's likely produces first-year earnings around $35,400 paired with roughly $21,000 in debt—a manageable 0.59 ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans. But this national benchmark masks a concerning New Jersey reality: Rutgers-New Brunswick, the only comparable in-state program with reported data, shows graduates earning just $20,700 their first year out. That's a $15,000 gap between what national programs typically produce and what actually happens in New Jersey's job market for these graduates.

This disconnect matters because cellular biology bachelor's holders often work as lab technicians or research assistants—roles where local demand and competition significantly shape salaries. The degree debt appears manageable against the national estimate, but if New Jersey outcomes track closer to Rutgers' reported figures, that same $21,000 becomes considerably harder to service on a $20,700 salary. The fact that only two New Jersey schools offer this program with available data points to either limited in-state opportunities or a field where most graduates leave the state or continue to graduate school.

If your child plans to pursue graduate education immediately—med school, PhD programs, or physician assistant training—this bachelor's serves as a stepping stone where the debt matters less. But if they're planning to work after graduation and stay in New Jersey, the Rutgers benchmark suggests modest starting salaries that make even average debt feel substantial.