Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of California-Davis

UC Davis graduates in cellular biology start modestly at $38,000—below the California median of $39,564 and ranking in just the 40th percentile among state programs. However, the trajectory matters: by year four, earnings jump 54% to $58,426, surpassing the national average and several UC competitors. The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these figures suggestive rather than definitive. Still, the debt picture is exceptional—just $12,000 compared to California's typical $18,430 for this major.

What makes this program notably different from top-earning peers like CSU San Marcos ($49,734 starting) is the career arc. Many cellular biology graduates pursue medical school, graduate programs, or research positions that initially pay less but offer significant growth potential. The strong four-year earnings suggest UC Davis students are successfully making those transitions, whether into industry, advanced roles, or post-graduate career pivots.

For families comfortable with a slower earnings start, the combination of minimal debt and strong growth potential makes this manageable. The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child could reasonably pay off loans within a year of starting work. Just remember: the small sample size means your child's experience could vary considerably, and if they're planning medical school or a PhD, those early earnings may look different still.