Cell Biologyat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $28,062/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Cell Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $686K; scenarios range from $602K to $698K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
Your initial earnings profile for Cell/Cellular Biology from U-M Ann Arbor reflects a common trend for highly selective, research-focused programs in foundational sciences. Many graduates leverage this strong scientific base not for immediate entry into the highest-paying industry roles, but as a springboard for advanced degrees—medical school, PhDs in biosciences, or other professional health programs. These paths typically involve several years of lower-paying stipends or entry-level research positions before reaching their full earning potential.
U-M's program excels at preparing you for these rigorous academic and research pathways, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge facilities and faculty expertise within the university's vast medical and life sciences complex. The "high AI risk" designation points to the evolving nature of lab work and data analysis. Automation and computational tools are increasingly handling routine tasks. To thrive, focus on securing extensive research experience and developing strong quantitative and computational skills that complement your biological knowledge.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Michigan's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Cell Biology
How University of Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cell Biology at University of Michigan
What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Cell Biology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cell Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Cell Biology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor a good choice for Cell Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.