Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

UC San Diego stands out among affordable cellular biology programs with its 87.60% graduation rate, nearly double the field's typical completion rates. While most programs in this price range struggle with retention, UCSD maintains selectivity at 23.71% acceptance and delivers outcomes that rival far costlier institutions. The $11,750 net cost represents strong value for a program feeding directly into California's $50 billion biotechnology sector. Ohio University operates six regional campuses offering cellular biology, though graduation rates range from just 12.10% to 20% across locations. CUNY John Jay, traditionally known for criminal justice, offers the most affordable option at $3,046 net cost with a solid 55.50% graduation rate. California dominates the earnings market, with CSU Northridge graduates earning $41,565 annually compared to lower figures elsewhere. The pharmaceutical industry's concentration along the West Coast creates natural pathways for cellular biology graduates, particularly those studying anatomical sciences. These programs prepare students for roles in medical research facilities, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical development centers that anchor regional economies.

Programs

$3,046 – $18,762

Net Price Range

$32,750

Avg. Program Earnings

62.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, New York	$3,046	$7,470	55.5%	50.7%
2	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503	$6,178	20.0%
3	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328	$6,178	19.3%
4	California State University-Fullerton Fullerton, California	$5,646	$7,073	69.2%	66.7%
5	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971	$6,178	17.7%
6	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133	$6,178	13.7%
7	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483	$6,178	12.1%
8	California State University-Northridge Northridge, California	$7,599	$7,095	56.2%	91.2%
9	Western New Mexico University Silver City, New Mexico	$7,912	$7,868	34.9%
10	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
11	Salish Kootenai College Pablo, Montana	$9,002	$4,311	35.2%
12	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, California	$10,550	$7,739	54.2%	95.2%
13	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
14	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750	$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
15	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
16	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
17	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$12,882	$7,424	50.1%	94.2%
18	University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, Hawaii	$13,181	$12,186	62.6%	72.8%
19	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
20	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
21	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
22	Oakland University Rochester Hills, Michigan	$13,584	$14,694	56.9%	90.1%
23	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
24	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
25	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California	$13,825	$14,965	85.3%	25.9%
26	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
27	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
28	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
29	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
30	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
31	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$14,832	$17,228	93.2%	17.7%
32	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
33	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, Illinois	$15,201	$16,004	84.9%	44.8%
34	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
35	University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona	$15,960	$13,626	65.9%	86.8%
36	Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, Michigan	$16,041	$14,190	61.8%	79.0%
37	William Jewell College Liberty, Missouri	$16,602	$19,890	61.6%	41.0%
38	University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California	$16,607	$14,560	74.5%	46.9%
39	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
40	Grand Valley State University Allendale, Michigan	$17,096	$14,628	68.6%	90.4%
41	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
42	University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas	$17,365	$11,700	68.8%	87.8%
43	Missouri State University-Springfield Springfield, Missouri	$17,502	$9,024	57.3%	92.6%
44	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
45	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
46	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
47	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
48	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
49	University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$18,748	$36,136	55.8%	76.1%
50	University of St Thomas Houston, Texas	$18,762	$33,660	68.6%	96.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate differences between similar programs?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates between 12.10% and 20%, while UC San Diego achieves 87.60% despite similar cellular biology curricula. The difference often reflects student preparation levels, support systems, and local job market connections. Schools with stronger industry partnerships and research opportunities tend to retain students better. CSU Northridge balances accessibility with a 56.20% graduation rate and 91.23% acceptance rate.

How do earnings vary by geographic region for cellular biology graduates?

California programs lead earnings with CSU Northridge graduates earning $41,565 annually and CSU San Marcos at $32,382. Connecticut programs through UConn campuses show $38,289 in typical earnings. The concentration of biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research facilities, and medical device manufacturers in these states creates higher-paying opportunities. California alone hosts over 3,000 biotech companies requiring cellular biology expertise.

Is attending a UC campus branch worth the higher cost?

UC San Diego's $11,750 net cost delivers an 87.60% graduation rate and access to top-tier research facilities. UConn's Waterbury and Avery Point campuses cost $8,896 and $11,504 respectively, with graduation rates around 57-60%. The main campus resources, faculty research projects, and industry connections often justify the premium. Students gain access to laboratory equipment and internship networks unavailable at smaller regional programs.

Does program size affect job placement in cellular biology?

Larger programs like CSU Northridge and CSU Fullerton maintain extensive industry connections that smaller regional campuses cannot match. CSU Fullerton's 69.20% graduation rate reflects strong support systems and career services. Smaller programs like Salish Kootenai College serve specific regional needs with 35.20% graduation rates. The key factor is proximity to research hospitals, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical facilities rather than program enrollment numbers.

Where do most cellular biology graduates find employment after graduation?

Research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device manufacturers hire the majority of cellular biology graduates. California's Silicon Valley and San Diego biotech corridor employ thousands in cellular research roles. Connecticut's pharmaceutical industry, including major companies in Hartford and New Haven areas, creates steady demand. Hospital systems nationwide need cellular biology expertise for pathology labs, research divisions, and diagnostic services.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.