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Cell Biology at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,270/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (70,200 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 39 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Berkeley's Cell/Cellular Biology program leverages the university's elite scientific reputation and unparalleled Bay Area location. Your education here is a rigorous foundation, preparing you for advanced research, biotech innovation, or further professional studies. The robust compensation figures reflect not just the academic rigor, but also direct access to a global hub of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies like Genentech and Amgen, plus top academic research institutions such as UCSF and Stanford. While some foundational lab tasks in this field face automation, your Berkeley education equips you for the analytical, research, and leadership roles that define the future of biosciences, often in areas *leveraging* AI rather than being replaced by it. The strong local biotech ecosystem means opportunities exist to shape, not just perform, these roles. To maximize your potential, focus on securing early research opportunities and leveraging the Bay Area's unparalleled network to find mentors and internships.

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 $638K $629K $561K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.6x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 46% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,450
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,181
62% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving a student body of 33,073 in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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

Compare this program → View all 39 schools offering Cell Biology →

Cell Biology at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($65,551) Parker University ($53,632) Harvard University ($51,569) California State University-San Marcos ($49,734) California State University-Northridge ($47,315) University of Rhode Island ($46,814) University of California-Santa Cruz ($45,088) University of Minnesota-Duluth ($44,501)

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

Computer Science ($149,866) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($137,295) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($90,008) Operations Research ($88,685) Mechanical Engineering ($88,497) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($88,030) Statistics ($83,227) Chemical Engineering ($81,553)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell Biology at University of California-Berkeley?
At 52/100, University of California-Berkeley'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 University of California-Berkeley?
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 University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for Cell Biology?
Among 39 Cell Biology programs, University of California-Berkeley's #6 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 →