Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Montana State University

Montana State's microbiology program starts slower than you might hope—$37,181 in year one sits slightly below the national median—but the trajectory tells a better story. By year four, graduates are earning $55,302, representing 49% growth that pushes well past national benchmarks. Among Montana's limited options for this program (just three schools), this ranks in the 60th percentile, making it the competitive choice for in-state students interested in immunology or microbiology.

The $22,065 in debt is manageable, creating a first-year ratio of 0.59 that allows most graduates to handle their loans even during that lower-earning first year. The real value emerges in years 2-4, when earnings climb substantially—likely reflecting graduates moving from lab technician roles into research positions or clinical settings that better utilize their specialized training. This delayed payoff is common in lab sciences where experience and certification matter as much as the degree itself.

For Montana families, this represents solid value if your student is committed to the field and willing to work through those early-career years. The earnings growth suggests genuine career progression rather than a dead-end credential, and the debt burden won't derail their twenties. Just recognize that lab science careers often require patience and potentially additional credentials for the highest-paying positions.