Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences at Washington & Jefferson College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests manageable repayment for this biology program, but that calculation rests entirely on estimates—both the $35,400 first-year earnings and $17,500 debt figure come from peer institutions nationally, not Washington & Jefferson's actual graduate outcomes. The numbers aren't suppressed because the school failed to report them; they're withheld because too few students graduated from this specific program to publish data without risking individual privacy. That small cohort size is worth considering: it could mean intimate lab settings and close faculty mentorship, or it might signal limited course offerings and network effects compared to larger programs.

Biology degrees function as launching pads for different trajectories, and the estimated earnings reflect that reality. Many graduates pursue medical school, research positions, or additional credentials rather than immediate full-time employment—which means first-year earnings don't tell the complete story. If your child plans graduate school, the $17,500 debt estimate is reasonable as a foundation. If they're aiming for immediate work in research or biotech roles, those positions in Pennsylvania typically require comparing this program against state schools with similar offerings or larger private universities with established industry pipelines.

The practical challenge: you're evaluating this investment without knowing whether W&J's specific program produces outcomes above, at, or below the national $35,400 benchmark. Talk directly with the biology department about recent graduate placements, research opportunities, and whether the small program size aligns with your child's learning style before committing.