Skip to main content

Cheapest Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the nation's most affordable Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program at just $3,659 net cost annually. This stark contrast with private institutions charging over double creates a significant opportunity gap for students entering a field where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects 8% job growth through 2032. The 20 most affordable programs span from $3,659 to $10,043, with public universities claiming 12 of the top 15 spots. Ohio University operates five regional campuses offering the major, though their graduation rates range dramatically from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus. University of Florida graduates earn $23,134 starting salaries while maintaining a 91.5% graduation rate, demonstrating that low cost doesn't necessarily compromise outcomes. California and Ohio dominate affordable options, reflecting these states' strong biotechnology sectors and state funding priorities. The West Coast biotech corridor and Midwest pharmaceutical manufacturing create regional demand for trained microbiologists and immunologists.
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 $4,384 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive affordable programs?

California State University-Dominguez Hills charges $3,659 while Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon costs $8,783, reflecting different state funding models and institutional priorities. Public universities receive state subsidies that private institutions lack, allowing lower tuition rates. Geographic factors also matter, as California's solid state university system spreads costs across multiple campuses. Puerto Rico's private universities operate with different economic pressures than mainland public institutions.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio University's five campuses offering this major?

Ohio University's regional campuses show concerning graduation rate patterns, with Lancaster at 13.7%, Chillicothe at 12.1%, and Zanesville at 17.7%. These rates fall well below the main campus standards and suggest resource allocation challenges. Eastern Campus performs slightly better at 20%, while Southern Campus reaches 19.3%. Students should weigh the $5,000-$6,000 annual costs against these completion statistics when choosing locations.

Is University of Florida worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

University of Florida's $6,351 net cost delivers a 91.5% graduation rate and $23,134 starting earnings, justifying the premium over California State alternatives. The online program offers identical outcomes at $4,702, providing significant savings without sacrificing quality. Florida's acceptance rate of 23.35% makes admission competitive, while California State schools accept 86-91% of applicants. The earnings data suggests Florida graduates command higher starting salaries in the Southeast job market.

Does geographic location affect career prospects for Microbiological Sciences graduates?

California's biotech corridor around San Francisco and San Diego creates strong demand for microbiologists, supporting the state's investment in affordable programs. Florida's growing pharmaceutical sector, anchored by companies in Miami and Tampa, explains the $23,134 starting salaries for University of Florida graduates. Ohio's manufacturing base provides opportunities in quality control and industrial microbiology. Puerto Rico's pharmaceutical manufacturing presence makes the Inter American University programs strategically located despite higher costs.

Where can students find the best value combining low cost and graduation success?

California State University-Los Angeles offers strong value at $4,113 net cost with a 52.6% graduation rate and manageable $15,000 debt load. University of Florida-Online provides strong outcomes at $4,702 with 77.7% graduation rates. California State Northridge balances $7,599 costs with 56.2% graduation rates and high acceptance rates. Students should avoid Ohio regional campuses due to graduation rates below 20% despite low costs around $5,000-$6,000.

More Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Rankings

Best Value Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Under $20,000

Related

All Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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