Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of Arizona

University of Arizona's cellular biology program starts graduates below the national median but shows an impressive 45% earnings jump by year four, reaching nearly $49,000. That trajectory matters more than the modest $33,741 starting salary, particularly for students heading to medical or graduate school—a common path for this degree. The $17,750 in median debt is also notably lighter than the national average of $20,422, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.53.

Within Arizona, this program outperforms the state median (which happens to match U of A's own numbers, placing it at the 60th percentile among in-state options). Since cellular biology often serves as a foundation for professional programs rather than an endpoint, these numbers tell an incomplete story. Many graduates likely continue their education rather than entering the workforce immediately, which makes the moderate sample size worth noting—career outcomes may vary significantly depending on whether students pursue additional degrees.

For families treating this as a pre-professional stepping stone, the combination of reasonable debt and accessible admissions (86% acceptance rate) makes this a viable path. However, if your child plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation, that first-year salary requires careful budgeting. The program's value depends almost entirely on what comes next.