Analysis
A Bachelor's in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology from University of Wyoming appears to chart a difficult financial course, with estimated first-year earnings of $38,040 against $22,102 in debt—a 0.58 ratio that means graduates would owe roughly seven months of gross income. While this debt-to-earnings ratio falls within workable bounds, the starting salary itself sits at the national median for this field, suggesting Wyoming's program delivers typical outcomes for microbiology undergraduates nationwide. The challenge isn't necessarily the program's quality but rather the economics of this bachelor's degree: even at the 75th percentile nationally, microbiology graduates earn just $43,608 in their first year, limiting upside potential without graduate school.
These estimates come from comparable microbiology programs across the country since Wyoming's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual figures. That statistical reality reflects an important consideration—this is a specialized program at Wyoming's only institution offering it, which could mean either intimate learning environments or limited local networking opportunities in the field. Most microbiology careers requiring only a bachelor's degree cluster in quality control, research assistance, or technical laboratory roles, positions that rarely command premium starting salaries regardless of location.
For families considering this path, understand you're looking at a likely five-year timeline to pay down that debt on a entry-level science salary. If your student is genuinely passionate about microbiology and planning for graduate work where the field's earnings improve substantially, this foundation makes sense. If they're uncertain or expecting immediate career returns from the bachelor's degree alone, the financial arithmetic doesn't offer much cushion.
Where University of Wyoming Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all microbiological sciences and immunology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,938 | $38,040* | — | $22,102* | — | |
| $7,424 | $56,071* | $73,604 | $24,120* | 0.43 | |
| $11,075 | $55,807* | — | $22,138* | 0.40 | |
| $9,651 | $54,290* | $46,419 | $25,464* | 0.47 | |
| $14,850 | $50,706* | — | $14,308* | 0.28 | |
| $11,205 | $49,186* | $54,549 | $23,480* | 0.48 | |
| National Median | — | $38,040* | — | $21,868* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with microbiological sciences and immunology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Microbiologists
Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wyoming, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 57 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.