Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA's microbiology program produces graduates earning just $26,218 one year out—landing in the 5th percentile nationally but middle-of-the-pack (40th percentile) among Texas programs. This tells you something important: microbiology graduates across Texas struggle with early earnings, and UTSA's outcomes, while disappointing compared to the national $38,040 median, aren't unusual for the state. Still, when nearby UT Arlington's microbiology grads earn $40,101 and even Texas State hits $37,663, the $14,000 gap raises questions about whether UTSA provides adequate career preparation or connections in this field.

The debt load of $21,671 translates to a manageable 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than a year's salary. That's reasonable on paper, but when your starting salary barely crosses $26,000, even moderate debt creates real financial strain. For comparison, UTSA's 42% Pell grant population suggests many students come from families where helping with loan payments isn't an option.

If your child is set on microbiology in Texas, this program offers accessible admission (88% acceptance rate) and affordable debt, but the earnings outcome is concerning. The reality is that entry-level lab work pays modestly everywhere, but UTSA's grads are falling short even by Texas standards. Unless your student plans to continue to graduate school—where the undergraduate institution matters less—consider whether programs like UT Arlington might justify their likely higher cost through meaningfully better job placement.