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Best Value Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Florida's online program delivers the lowest net cost at $4,702 while its on-campus counterpart maintains a 91.50% graduation rate, creating two distinct pathways for microbiology students. North Carolina State leads earnings potential at $47,260 annually, reflecting strong connections to the Research Triangle's biotechnology corridor where companies like Biogen and Genentech maintain major operations. California dominates the list with six programs, though costs vary dramatically from $8,931 at Cal State Long Beach to $15,288 at UC Davis. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $24,126, with California and North Carolina programs generally commanding higher salaries. Public universities control this market entirely, benefiting from state funding that keeps costs manageable while research infrastructure supports career outcomes. Weber State presents an interesting outlier with a 43% graduation rate but $41,565 earnings, suggesting strong industry placement for those who complete the program.
50
Programs
$4,702 – $27,662
Net Price Range
$34,914
Avg. Program Earnings
71.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,702 $23,134 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
2 $8,931 $43,798 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
3 $10,722 $41,565 $6,391 43.0%
4 $6,351 $23,134 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
5 $13,741 $44,835 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
6 $12,882 $40,017 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
7 $10,726 $32,925 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
8 $13,825 $39,369 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
9 $10,043 $28,598 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
10 $16,931 $47,260 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
11 $14,979 $41,565 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
12 $16,334 $44,091 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
13 $15,288 $38,597 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
14 $14,401 $35,701 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
15 $13,670 $33,565 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
16 $14,838 $36,042 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
17 $15,374 $36,992 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
18 $13,485 $32,119 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
19 $16,438 $39,009 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
20 $15,624 $36,852 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
21 $14,013 $32,925 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
22 $16,378 $37,748 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
23 $16,928 $38,289 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
24 $14,922 $33,459 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
25 $15,235 $33,993 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
26 $13,181 $28,598 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
27 $18,165 $39,369 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
28 $13,707 $29,685 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
29 $17,139 $36,848 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
30 $11,779 $25,194 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
31 $17,413 $34,704 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
32 $15,960 $31,719 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
33 $17,365 $33,993 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
34 $13,487 $25,967 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
35 $13,816 $26,353 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
36 $18,292 $34,704 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
37 $20,924 $39,369 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
38 $16,177 $29,685 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
39 $17,722 $32,051 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
40 $21,398 $38,289 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
41 $22,112 $38,289 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
42 $12,684 $21,508 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
43 $20,071 $33,993 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
44 $20,751 $34,420 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
45 $20,332 $33,459 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
46 $19,568 $32,051 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
47 $20,593 $33,565 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
48 $23,790 $38,289 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
49 $27,662 $42,235 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
50 $23,691 $35,774 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between University of Florida's online and campus programs?

University of Florida-Online costs just $4,702 net while the main campus runs $6,351, despite both programs leading to similar $23,134 starting salaries. The online format eliminates housing and campus fees while maintaining access to the same faculty and research opportunities. However, the campus program boasts a 91.50% graduation rate compared to 77.70% online, suggesting the traditional format provides better student support systems.

How do California programs justify higher costs with variable earnings outcomes?

California programs range from $8,931 at Long Beach to $15,288 at UC Davis, with earnings spanning $38,597 to $44,835. Cal State Long Beach offers the best return with $43,798 earnings at the lowest cost, while UC Santa Barbara charges $13,825 for $39,369 outcomes. The state's biotech industry concentration, particularly in the Bay Area and San Diego, creates strong job markets that support these premium prices despite outcome variations.

Does North Carolina State's high cost translate to career advantages?

North Carolina State commands the highest net cost at $16,931 but delivers the strongest earnings at $47,260, creating a clear value proposition for career-focused students. The Research Triangle location provides access to major pharmaceutical and biotech employers, justifying the premium. With an 84.60% graduation rate and $22,956 average debt, students typically see strong returns on their investment within the first few years of employment.

Where do students find the best graduation rates relative to program costs?

UC Berkeley leads with a 92.90% graduation rate at $14,979 net cost, followed closely by University of Florida's 91.50% rate at just $6,351. These programs combine strong academic support with research opportunities that keep students engaged through degree completion. In contrast, Weber State's 43% graduation rate at $10,722 suggests significant student support gaps, though completers earn a solid $41,565 annually.

What role does geographic location play in post-graduation earnings?

West Coast and Research Triangle programs consistently outperform others, with North Carolina State ($47,260), Cal State Long Beach ($43,798), and San Jose State ($44,835) leading earnings. These regions house major pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and research institutions that actively recruit microbiology graduates. Texas and Florida programs show lower earnings despite strong graduation rates, reflecting different regional job markets and cost of living factors.

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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.