Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of Connecticut-Stamford

UConn Stamford's cellular biology program offers something genuinely unusual: starting salaries that match the national median, but four-year earnings that nearly double. That $35,393 first-year figure looks modest—roughly on par with other UConn campuses and matching the national median exactly. But graduates earning $70,038 by year four tells a different story about the program's value, likely reflecting strong pre-med preparation or graduate school placement that pays off quickly.

The debt picture reinforces this as a smart bet. At $24,500, graduates owe less than 70 cents for every dollar they earn initially, and that ratio improves dramatically as earnings climb. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Connecticut biology programs while keeping debt in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning substantially lower debt than most comparable programs. For families concerned about the 80% acceptance rate suggesting less selectivity, remember that half the students here receive Pell grants, and the outcomes suggest UConn is successfully preparing first-generation and lower-income students for competitive science careers.

The moderate sample size means individual circumstances vary, but the trajectory is clear: graduates who stick with science-related careers see impressive earning gains. This looks like the kind of program where initial patience pays off, particularly for students planning graduate or professional school.