Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at University of Kansas

KU's microbiology program stands out with exceptionally low debt—$27,000 puts it in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more borrowing. Combined with first-year earnings of $43,734, graduates face a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below the worrisome threshold. That's about $4,100 more than the national median for this degree, placing KU in the 75th percentile nationwide. Within Kansas, where only two schools offer this program, KU trails the state median slightly but still outperforms Kansas State's $35,523 by a meaningful margin.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift as more data comes in, but the pattern is encouraging: low debt paired with above-average earnings creates breathing room for graduates entering lab positions, pharmaceutical roles, or graduate programs. The 88% admission rate makes this accessible to most applicants, though the science coursework itself will be demanding.

For a parent watching college costs spiral, this program delivers what matters most—your child can launch a science career without crushing debt. The earnings won't wow anyone immediately, but starting at $44K with just $27K in loans means financial stability from day one, not years of catch-up.