Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at University of Vermont

A first-year salary around $38,000—typical for microbiology bachelor's programs nationally—combined with $25,000 in debt creates workable math, but barely. That debt level sits higher than three-quarters of programs nationwide, though it's not catastrophic for a field where many graduates pursue additional training. The real question is whether your student plans to enter the workforce immediately or continue to graduate school, which most microbiology majors eventually do.

The estimated earnings here reflect what peer microbiology programs produce nationally, since Vermont's single program doesn't report actual outcomes. At 66 cents of debt per dollar of first-year income, this sits in the manageable range—though "manageable" still means dedicating a significant chunk of early-career salary to loan payments. For students heading directly into lab technician roles or quality control positions, this works. For those bound for medical school, graduate programs, or other advanced degrees, that $25,000 becomes the foundation of a much larger debt pile.

The University of Vermont's relatively selective profile (1357 SAT average) suggests strong academic preparation, which matters in a field where graduate school acceptance often determines career trajectory. If your student is serious about research or clinical work, factor in the cost of what comes after this degree—not just the bachelor's itself.