Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Weber State University

Weber State's microbiology program starts below what many bachelor's degrees promise, but the trajectory tells a different story. That $41,000 first-year salary jumps 36% to nearly $56,000 by year four—the kind of growth curve that suggests graduates are landing in roles with clear advancement potential, likely in clinical labs, research facilities, or quality control positions where experience quickly translates to responsibility and pay.

The financial fundamentals work in students' favor here. At $24,383 in debt—just above the national program average but manageable relative to that first-year salary—graduates face a realistic repayment scenario. This program outperforms 64% of microbiology programs nationally and sits above the Utah median, which is notable given that the only in-state comparison (BYU) comes in considerably lower at $31,833. That 60th percentile within Utah and the substantial earnings gap over BYU suggests Weber State graduates are finding better entry points or stronger regional employer connections.

For families weighing biology-adjacent fields, this program delivers what matters most: reasonable debt paired with earnings that actually grow. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the core value proposition—affordable training that opens doors to steadily improving salaries—makes this a solid option for students serious about laboratory science careers.