Analysis
Washington State University's microbiology program outperforms two-thirds of similar programs in Washington, with first-year earnings of $43,736—well above both the state median ($39,202) and national median ($38,040). What's particularly striking is the trajectory: graduates see earnings jump 36% by year four, reaching nearly $60,000. That growth rate suggests the degree opens doors to progressively better opportunities, whether in research, quality control, or clinical labs. The debt load of $21,250 is reasonable, translating to a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be manageable on a science graduate's salary.
However, there's an important caveat here: these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. The debt is slightly higher than Washington's state median for this program, though still moderate in absolute terms. It's worth noting that UW-Seattle's graduates actually earn less in their first year, which may reflect different career paths or geographic choices rather than program quality.
For a student serious about microbiology or immunology, this program delivers solid value with clear upward earnings momentum. The combination of manageable debt and above-average starting pay—followed by strong growth—suggests WSU is preparing graduates well for the job market. Just remember that the small sample size means your individual experience could differ.
Where Washington State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all microbiological sciences and immunology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Washington State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | $43,736 | $59,661 | +36% |
| San Francisco State University | $56,071 | $73,604 | +31% |
| University of California-Davis | $46,005 | $72,431 | +57% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $47,331 | $62,835 | +33% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $34,669 | $54,238 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washington State UniversityPullman | $12,997 | $43,736 | $59,661 | $21,250 | 0.49 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $34,669 | $54,238 | $15,917 | 0.46 |
| 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 Washington State University, approximately 26% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.