Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Salish Kootenai College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests this program positions graduates reasonably well, though that conclusion comes with considerable uncertainty. Since Salish Kootenai's actual outcomes aren't publicly available due to small graduate cohorts, we're relying on national benchmarks showing cellular biology bachelor's graduates typically earn around $35,400 in their first year. The estimated $21,000 in debt falls close to national norms for this field, meaning graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $230 on a standard repayment plan—manageable on that salary, consuming about 8% of gross income.

What's harder to assess is how Salish Kootenai's specific context affects these projections. The college serves 58% Pell-eligible students in rural Montana, and outcomes can vary significantly based on local job markets and whether graduates pursue further education. Montana State's reported figure of $32,500 runs slightly lower than the national estimate we're using here, which could indicate regional market realities. Cellular biology often serves as a stepping stone to graduate programs in health sciences or research—if that's the path your child envisions, these bachelor's-level earnings may only tell part of the story.

Given the lack of school-specific data, arrange visits to talk directly with program faculty and recent alumni about placement outcomes. Ask specifically where graduates end up working and what proportion continue to graduate or professional programs. The financial picture looks potentially workable, but you'll need to fill in the gaps yourself.