Best colleges for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology by graduate earnings are University of California-Berkeley ($50,706), University of Wisconsin-Madison ($49,186) and California State University - Chico ($49,068), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): $50,706, 96 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI): $49,186, 91 graduates a year
- California State University - Chico (Chico, CA): $49,068, 22 graduates a year
- California State University - Long Beach (Long Beach, CA): $48,631, 31 graduates a year
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Amherst, MA): $47,331, 66 graduates a year
Compare 183 U.S. colleges offering Microbiological Sciences and Immunology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 49 states.
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,040 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.05 and the Microbiologists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs
The Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program focuses on the study of microorganisms and their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and the environment. This program is ideal for students interested in biological and biomedical sciences, offering a comprehensive understanding of both fundamental and applied microbiology, including specializations such as medical microbiology, virology, and immunology.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in science, critical thinking, and laboratory techniques. Coursework typically covers biology, chemistry, and microbiology, equipping students with the knowledge to isolate and identify microorganisms, monitor environmental samples, and provide laboratory services for health-related diagnostics.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,706 | 96 | 93% | — | $14,308 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,186 | 91 | 90% | — | $23,480 |
| 3 | California State University - Chico Chico, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,068 | 22 | 63% | — | $24,572 |
| 4 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,631 | 31 | 69% | — | — |
| 5 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,331 | 66 | 83% | — | $27,000 |
| 6 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,005 | 125 | 86% | — | $11,000 |
| 7 | San Diego State University San Diego, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,360 | 31 | 76% | — | $15,500 |
| 8 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,761 | 43 | 85% | — | $24,486 |
| 9 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,734 | 29 | 69% | — | $27,000 |
| 10 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,608 | 58 | 86% | — | $13,811 |
| 11 | University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,086 | 43 | 76% | — | $14,121 |
| 12 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,433 | 36 | 68% | — | $20,750 |
| 13 | Weber State University Ogden, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,079 | 51 | 46% | — | $24,383 |
| 14 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,792 | 35 | 67% | — | $25,941 |
| 15 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,101 | 23 | 54% | — | $21,395 |
| 16 | University of Nevada-Reno Reno, NV Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,752 | 30 | 61% | — | $19,500 |
| 17 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,701 | 61 | 67% | — | $26,000 |
| 18 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,521 | 57 | 68% | — | $19,000 |
| 19 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,019 | 29 | 75% | — | $22,500 |
| 20 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,726 | 49 | 81% | — | $29,301 |
| 21 | Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,040 | 69 | 68% | — | $19,323 |
| 22 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,864 | 49 | 90% | — | $23,214 |
| 23 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,610 | 39 | 70% | — | $22,959 |
| 24 | Ohio State University Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,592 | 73 | 88% | — | $20,500 |
| 25 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,375 | 21 | 61% | — | $24,000 |
Specializations within Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
9 of the 9 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.05 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- MicrobiologyCIP 26.05022,497 graduates / yr109 institutions42 states
- Medical Microbiology and BacteriologyCIP 26.0503962 graduates / yr33 institutions24 states
- Microbiology and ImmunologyCIP 26.0508477 graduates / yr38 institutions23 states
- Microbiological Sciences and ImmunologyCIP 26.0599248 graduates / yr13 institutions10 states
- ImmunologyCIP 26.0507242 graduates / yr26 institutions19 states
- Infectious Disease and Global HealthCIP 26.0509New in CIP 2020196 graduates / yr12 institutions12 states
- MycologyCIP 26.0506limited data14 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
- VirologyCIP 26.0504partial data7 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- ParasitologyCIP 26.0505limited data6 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
Offered across 49 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1022, Microbiologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program can pursue various careers in healthcare, research, and environmental science. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth of 4.1% and around 1,700 annual openings. The median wage for related occupations is approximately $87,330, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.05.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.05 (Microbiological Sciences and Immunology) maps to 10 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers |
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1022 | Microbiologistsprimary |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1041 | Epidemiologists |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-4013 | Food Science Technicians |
| 19-4021 | Biological Technicians |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.
- Provide laboratory services for health departments, community environmental health programs, and physicians needing information for diagnosis and treatment.
- Monitor and perform tests on water, food, and the environment to detect harmful microorganisms or to obtain information about sources of pollution, contamination, or infection.
- Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.
- Supervise biological technologists and technicians and other scientists.
- Use a variety of specialized equipment, such as electron microscopes, gas and high-pressure liquid chromatographs, electrophoresis units, thermocyclers, fluorescence-activated cell sorters, and phosphorimagers.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program?+
The program focuses on the study of microorganisms and their interactions with various environments, including human health.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in science, critical thinking, laboratory techniques, and effective communication.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work in healthcare, research, and environmental science, with a strong job outlook.
What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for careers related to microbiological sciences and immunology.
How much do Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates earn?+
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,040, College Scorecard (2019); the Microbiologists occupation pays about $97,600 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology?+
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology maps to CIP 26.05 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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