Best colleges for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences by graduate earnings are Northeastern University ($65,551), Parker University ($53,632) and Harvard University ($51,569), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $65,551, 87 graduates a year
- Parker University (Dallas, TX): $53,632, 76 graduates a year
- Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): $51,569, 124 graduates a year
- University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI): $46,814, 42 graduates a year
- University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA): $45,088, 152 graduates a year
Compare 165 U.S. colleges offering Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 44 states.
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,822 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.04 and the Biological Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs
The Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program focuses on the study of cells, their structures, functions, and the biological systems they comprise. This program is ideal for students interested in delving into the microscopic world of biology and understanding the complex processes that sustain life at the cellular level.
Learn more about Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences →
Students in this program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically covers topics in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, equipping students with the knowledge needed to conduct research and analyze experimental data effectively.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $65,551 | 87 | 91% | $18,925 | $22,156 |
| 2 | Parker University Dallas, TX Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $53,632 | 76 | 74% | $27,144 | — |
| 3 | Harvard University Cambridge, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,569 | 124 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 4 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,814 | 42 | 73% | — | $25,000 |
| 5 | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,088 | 152 | 75% | — | $19,000 |
| 6 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,270 | 748 | 93% | — | $14,000 |
| 7 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,192 | 150 | 74% | — | $17,889 |
| 8 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,075 | 201 | 85% | — | $14,781 |
| 9 | Yale University New Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,299 | 113 | 96% | $27,025 | $19,500 |
| 10 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,225 | 28 | 65% | — | $19,500 |
| 11 | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,333 | 67 | 83% | — | $19,000 |
| 12 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,952 | 28 | 86% | — | $12,000 |
| 13 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,945 | 290 | 93% | — | $15,848 |
| 14 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,532 | 61 | 85% | — | $23,188 |
| 15 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,393 | 199 | 83% | — | $24,500 |
| 16 | Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,174 | 36 | 35% | — | $21,000 |
| 17 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,741 | 103 | 68% | — | $17,750 |
| 18 | Montana State University Bozeman, MT Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,538 | 53 | 57% | — | $23,625 |
| 19 | University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,148 | 73 | 76% | — | $17,861 |
| 20 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,643 | 89 | 58% | — | $24,251 |
| 21 | Duke University Durham, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $30,154 | 80 | 97% | $16,260 | $12,000 |
| 22 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,777 | 293 | 85% | — | $22,000 |
| 23 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,062 | 35 | 93% | — | $20,422 |
| 24 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $24,352 | 237 | 94% | $11,888 | $10,750 |
| 25 | Augusta University Augusta, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $21,905 | 43 | 49% | — | $24,229 |
Specializations within Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
6 of the 6 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.04 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Cell/CIP 26.0406
Cellular and Molecular Biology 4,454 graduates / yr105 institutions36 states - AnatomyCIP 26.0403902 graduates / yr37 institutions26 states
- Cell/CIP 26.0401
Cellular Biology and Histology 460 graduates / yr21 institutions17 states - Cell/CIP 26.0499
Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences 436 graduates / yr20 institutions14 states - Cell Biology and AnatomyCIP 26.0407134 graduates / yr12 institutions12 states
- Developmental Biology and EmbryologyCIP 26.0404103 graduates / yr10 institutions9 states
Offered across 44 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4021, Biological Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program can pursue various careers in research and technical support within biological and health sciences. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated 9,100 annual openings and a median wage of $52,000 for positions typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.04 (Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences) maps to 10 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1021 | Biochemists and Biophysicists |
| 19-1022 | Microbiologists |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1041 | Epidemiologists |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-4021 | Biological Techniciansprimary |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 29-2011 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program?+
The program focuses on the study of cells, their structures, functions, and related biological systems.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and various research methodologies.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work in research and technical support roles in biological and health sciences.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 9,100 annual openings and a median wage of $52,000.
How much do Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences graduates earn?+
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $35,822, College Scorecard (2019); the Biological Technicians occupation pays about $61,380 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences?+
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences maps to CIP 26.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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