Best Value Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Colleges in California

California State University-Los Angeles delivers extraordinary value in microbiological sciences with a net price of just $4,113, making it 73% cheaper than the state average. This affordability gap reflects the university's mission to serve working-class communities while maintaining strong science programs. The state's 17 programs span a wide earnings range from $29,685 to $44,835, with San Jose State leading at the top despite charging only $13,741 net. California's biotech corridor, anchored by companies like Gilead Sciences and Genentech in the Bay Area, creates steady demand for immunology specialists. Public universities dominate the field here, with UC Berkeley and UCLA offering top-tier research opportunities at surprisingly manageable costs thanks to Cal Grant support. The data reveals that graduation rates vary dramatically, from 46.9% at CSU Dominguez Hills to 92.9% at UC Berkeley, suggesting that institutional support matters as much as program quality.

Programs

$3,659 – $16,174

Net Price Range

$38,369

Avg. Program Earnings

73.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, California	$8,931	$43,798	$7,008	69.9%	40.0%
2	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$13,741	$44,835	$7,992	64.7%	76.7%
3	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$12,882	$40,017	$7,424	50.1%	94.2%
4	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, California	$13,825	$39,369	$14,965	85.3%	25.9%
5	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, California	$14,979	$41,565	$14,850	92.9%	11.3%
6	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$38,597	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
7	California State University-Chico Chico, California	$14,838	$36,042	$8,064	63.6%	95.0%
8	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, California	$15,624	$36,852	$11,075	85.2%	30.4%
9	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$32,925	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
10	University of California-Riverside Riverside, California	$13,707	$29,685	$14,170	76.6%	68.7%
11	California State University-Northridge Northridge, California	$7,599		$7,095	56.2%	91.2%
12	California State University-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$4,113		$6,813	52.6%	86.9%
13	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840		$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
14	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750		$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
15	California State University-Dominguez Hills Carson, California	$3,659		$7,064	46.9%	89.1%
16	San Diego State University San Diego, California	$16,174		$8,290	78.3%	39.3%
17	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, California	$11,580		$7,439	66.7%	55.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes San Jose State's microbiology program such strong value at $44,835 earnings?

San Jose State produces the highest-earning microbiology graduates at $44,835 annually while charging just $13,741 net price. The university sits in the heart of Silicon Valley's biotech ecosystem, providing direct pipeline access to companies like Roche and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Students benefit from extensive internship networks and research partnerships that translate into higher starting salaries compared to other Cal State campuses.

How do UC schools compare in cost versus career outcomes for immunology students?

UC Berkeley charges $14,979 net but delivers 92.9% graduation rates and $41,565 average earnings. UC Davis costs slightly more at $15,288 net with similar graduation success at 85.1% but lower earnings at $38,597. UC Riverside offers the most affordable UC option at $13,707 net, though graduates earn $29,685 on average, reflecting regional job market differences.

Is California State University-Los Angeles worth considering despite lower graduation rates?

CSU-LA's $4,113 net price makes it the most affordable option by far, though graduation rates sit at 52.6%. The university serves many first-generation college students who work while studying, explaining the extended completion timeline. For students prioritizing minimal debt over quick completion, the program offers solid microbiology training at an unbeatable price point.

What explains the wide acceptance rate variations between California programs?

UC Berkeley accepts just 11.33% of applicants while San Francisco State accepts 94.20%, reflecting different institutional missions and selectivity. Highly selective UCs maintain small cohorts for intensive research training, while Cal State schools prioritize access for working students. Both paths lead to viable careers, with acceptance rates correlating more to prestige than actual job market success.

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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.