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Budget-conscious students can access microbiology and immunology programs for as little as $3,659 annually at California State University-Dominguez Hills, though outcomes vary dramatically across the 15 schools offering this specialized field under $20,000. The University of Florida stands out with a 91.50% graduation rate despite charging just $6,351 net cost, while several Ohio University branch campuses struggle with graduation rates below 20%. This disparity matters in a field where the CDC employs thousands of microbiologists and immunologists nationwide, with pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson driving demand for specialists who can tackle infectious diseases and vaccine development. California dominates the affordable options with three CSU campuses, while Puerto Rico contributes four programs through Inter American University branches. The earnings potential ranges from $23,134 to $43,798 for graduates, making program selection important for return on investment. Students targeting federal health agencies or biotech hubs should weigh graduation rates heavily, as completing the degree proves more valuable than simply accessing low tuition.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $14,715
Net Price Range
$30,720
Avg. Program Earnings
55.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
6 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
7 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
8 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
9 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
10 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
11 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
12 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
13 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
14 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
15 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
16 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
17 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
18 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
19 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
20 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
21 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
22 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
23 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
24 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
25 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
26 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
27 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
28 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
29 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
30 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
31 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
32 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
33 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
34 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
35 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
36 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
37 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
38 $13,707 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
39 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
40 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
41 $13,809 $8,864 44.6% 97.9%
42 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
43 $13,825 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
44 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
45 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
46 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
47 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
48 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
49 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
50 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate gap between Florida and Ohio programs?

The University of Florida achieves a 91.50% graduation rate while Ohio University branch campuses struggle with rates between 12.10% and 20.00%. Florida's main campus benefits from research funding, faculty resources, and student support systems that branch campuses typically lack. The $6,351 net cost at Florida also attracts more academically prepared students compared to the regional Ohio campuses serving local populations.

How do California State Universities compare for microbiology programs under $10,000?

Three CSU campuses offer microbiology programs with net costs between $3,659 and $7,599 annually. Dominguez Hills provides the lowest cost at $3,659 but graduates only 46.90% of students, while Northridge costs $7,599 with a 56.20% graduation rate. Los Angeles falls in the middle at $4,113 with 52.60% graduating, suggesting moderate improvement in outcomes for slightly higher investment.

Is the University of Florida worth the selective admissions process?

Florida admits just 23.35% of applicants but delivers strong value with $6,351 net cost and 91.50% graduation rate. The program connects students to major research opportunities and positions them well for CDC, pharmaceutical, or graduate school placement. Students with competitive academic records should strongly consider the main campus over the online option, which has identical earnings data but likely different research access.

Does studying microbiology in Puerto Rico provide mainland career advantages?

Four Inter American University campuses offer programs between $7,607 and $8,783 with graduation rates from 33.00% to 43.10%. These programs provide bilingual training valuable for public health work in varied communities and pharmaceutical companies expanding Latin American operations. However, students should research professional licensing requirements and graduate school prerequisites for mainland career transitions.

Where can students find the best return on investment under $7,000?

The University of Florida offers unmatched value at $6,351 with 91.50% graduation rates and access to major research facilities. California State University-Los Angeles provides a solid alternative at $4,113 with 52.60% graduation rates and proximity to biotech companies. Students should avoid Ohio University branch campuses despite lower costs, as graduation rates below 20% severely limit career prospects.

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