Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at University of Hawaii at Manoa

A cellular biology degree from UH Manoa comes with an estimated $21,000 in debt and first-year earnings around $35,400—figures drawn from comparable programs nationally since this specific program's outcomes aren't publicly reported due to small graduate cohorts. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable repayment under standard plans, but the starting salary itself raises questions about value, particularly in Hawaii where the cost of living runs significantly higher than the mainland.

Biology bachelor's degrees nationally cluster around these same earnings figures, which means graduates typically need additional credentials—medical school, graduate programs, or professional certifications—to reach stronger income levels. Similar programs across the country show this pattern consistently: the bachelor's serves as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. For families banking on immediate financial independence after graduation, that timeline matters. If your student plans to continue their education, factor in additional years of limited earnings and potential debt.

The real calculation here depends entirely on post-graduation plans. If medical school or a PhD program is the goal, UH Manoa's estimated outcomes align with typical pre-professional paths. But if your student expects this bachelor's degree alone to support them in Honolulu's expensive housing market, the numbers suggest a tight financial squeeze in those early years. Know the plan before committing.