Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at The University of Texas at Arlington

UTA's microbiology program punches well above its weight in Texas—80th percentile earnings among state programs means your graduate will likely out-earn peers from comparable in-state schools by a significant margin. With first-year earnings of $40,101 rising to $50,757 by year four, this program delivers both a solid launch and meaningful growth trajectory. The $21,395 debt load translates to a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, roughly half a year's starting salary.

The data becomes even more compelling in state context. While Texas Tech graduates earn a median $27,445 and UT San Antonio grads start at $26,218, UTA's program positions students roughly $13,000-14,000 ahead right out of the gate. For families weighing in-state options, that gap represents real money and potentially faster debt payoff. The 27% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are advancing into research or clinical roles rather than stalling in entry-level positions.

The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means these numbers could shift year to year, but the state ranking provides confidence that this isn't a statistical fluke. For a family considering where to pursue microbiology in Texas, UTA's combination of accessibility (81% admission rate), affordability, and strong graduate outcomes makes it hard to justify paying more elsewhere unless you're targeting very specialized research opportunities.