Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Washington State University

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.