Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Seattle University

Seattle University's biology program appears positioned right at Washington's median, with comparable programs across the state suggesting first-year earnings around $39,225. That figure sits comfortably above the national median of $35,393 for cellular biology degrees, though it trails what University of Washington graduates reportedly earn by about $3,000. The estimated debt load of $17,500 is notably lighter than both the national median ($20,422) and what most Washington programs carry, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary.

The challenge here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Seattle University's own graduate outcomes, which aren't available due to small sample sizes. What we can say is that cellular biology degrees typically serve as stepping stones to graduate school rather than terminal credentials, so that $39,000 starting salary often reflects gap-year positions or research assistant roles before medical school, graduate programs, or professional healthcare training. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation rather than pursue additional degrees, that salary might feel tight in Seattle's expensive market—even with the relatively manageable debt load.

The conservative debt estimate and Washington's generally strong outcomes for this major suggest reasonable downside protection, but you're essentially betting on state-level trends rather than this specific program's track record. If graduate school is the plan anyway, the lighter debt burden becomes the most important factor; if not, that $39,000 starting point deserves careful consideration against Seattle's cost of living.