Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State's microbiology program estimates first-year earnings around $38,000—aligned with the national median for this degree—but these figures come from peer institutions rather than tracked outcomes of NSU's own graduates. The small sample size tells its own story: this isn't a high-volume program, which makes sense for a specialized science degree at a regional university. The estimated $22,100 in debt produces a manageable 0.58 ratio, suggesting graduates could feasibly handle loan payments even at entry-level salaries.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With only two Louisiana schools offering this major and no reported outcomes available for comparison, you're essentially betting that Northwestern State's program performs similarly to microbiology programs nationwide. That's not unreasonable—the field itself drives much of the earning potential—but without seeing actual graduate outcomes, you can't know whether NSU's lab facilities, faculty connections, or career services match what students need to compete for positions in research, healthcare, or industry.

For families comfortable with moderate debt and interested in science careers, the estimated numbers suggest workable economics. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how this specific program actually performs. If your student is serious about microbiology, compare closely with Louisiana's other offering and consider whether graduate school—often necessary in this field—factors into the total investment picture.