Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at University of California-San Diego

UCSD's microbiology program lands graduates with modest debt ($13,811, well below both state and national averages), but initial earnings of $43,608 trail most California competitors—including Cal Poly SLO and Berkeley by roughly $7,000-$12,000. While this beats three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, it sits at the 40th percentile among California schools, where programs at San Francisco State and several Cal State campuses deliver substantially higher starting salaries. Given UCSD's 25% admission rate and national reputation, parents might reasonably expect stronger initial outcomes.

The debt picture provides some reassurance. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than four months of salary, making repayment manageable even on biology sector wages. For students who secured significant financial aid (a third of UCSD students receive Pell grants), total debt may be even lower.

The value proposition depends heavily on your child's next step. If they're headed to graduate school—common in microbiology—starting salary matters less than research opportunities and the UCSD credential. But if they plan to work immediately after graduation, Cal Poly SLO delivers 28% higher earnings with similar debt. UCSD's microbiology program works best for students prioritizing research access and graduate school preparation over immediate earning power.