Cell Biology at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,734/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 20.3x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

This program's strong performance stems directly from its prime location within Southern California's burgeoning biotech corridor, particularly the San Diego region. Employers like Illumina, Thermo Fisher, and a multitude of innovative startups actively seek graduates with a solid foundation in cell and anatomical sciences for roles in R&D, clinical trials, and quality assurance. You're entering a robust local labor market that consistently demands skilled scientific talent, explaining the strong career trajectory. While AI risk is a factor, the sophisticated research, managerial oversight, and critical interpretation required for roles like medical scientists or natural sciences managers often necessitate human expertise. To maximize your potential, aggressively pursue internships with local biotech firms; these hands-on experiences are invaluable for networking and translating your academic knowledge into a high-demand professional skillset.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Cell Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $635K $627K $559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.5x 20.3x 18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,200
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,462
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,329
45% growth from Year 1

About California State University-San Marcos

California State University-San Marcos has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 14,174 in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Cell Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell Biology at California State University-San Marcos?
At 62/100, California State University-San Marcos's Cell Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Cell Biology at California State University-San Marcos?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-San Marcos one of the best schools for Cell Biology?
Among 39 Cell Biology programs, California State University-San Marcos's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →