Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Auburn University

Auburn's microbiology program shows an unusual earnings pattern that warrants attention: based on similar programs nationally, first-year earnings estimate around $38,000, but by year four, graduates are earning less—roughly $35,500. This backward trajectory is uncommon for STEM fields and suggests either a mismatch between the degree and entry-level job requirements, or that many graduates pursue additional schooling that temporarily depresses their earnings. The $22,000 debt load sits right at the national median for this major, which means Auburn isn't overcharging relative to peer programs.

The real question is whether this degree serves as a launching pad or a detour. Microbiology often functions as a pre-med or pre-graduate school credential, which could explain the stagnant early earnings. If your child plans to continue their education, these numbers tell you relatively little about their long-term prospects. But if they're planning to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, comparable programs suggest starting salaries barely above $35,000—about what retail managers earn—while carrying $22,000 in debt.

Before committing, find out what percentage of Auburn's microbiology graduates go directly to work versus graduate school. If most pursue advanced degrees, this is a stepping stone worth evaluating differently. If most enter the workforce, you're looking at a degree where peer outcomes suggest modest financial returns that may actually decline in the short term.