Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's microbiology program shows solid performance in a niche field, though the small cohort size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. Graduates start at $40,262—about $2,200 above the national median for this major—and see respectable 24% earnings growth to nearly $50,000 by year four. The debt load of $25,543 is higher than the national median, but the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 remains manageable, meaning graduates can reasonably expect to handle their payments while building their careers.

The real value here lies in the trajectory. While the starting salary won't impress, the growth pattern suggests graduates are moving into laboratory positions, quality control roles, or research settings that reward experience. Being the only program of its kind in North Dakota matters less than you'd think—microbiology graduates typically compete in regional or national job markets at pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and research institutions rather than purely local ones.

For a student genuinely interested in laboratory science or planning for graduate work in medicine or research, this program offers solid preparation without crushing debt. Just remember that the small sample size means one exceptional cohort could be driving these numbers. If your child is considering this path primarily for immediate earnings, they'd likely do better in nursing or another health profession.