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Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,019/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 of 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $590K $586K $531K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 14.0x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 51% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,763
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,882
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program produces graduates earning $39,019/yr — within striking distance of the $38,184 national average for this field.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Microbiological Sciences and Immunology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,763 against $39,019/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #20 ranking among 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs places Iowa State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,019-to-$60,882 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 57 schools offering Microbiological Sciences and Immunology →

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Other Schools

San Francisco State University ($56,071) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($55,807) University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ($54,290) University of California-Berkeley ($50,706) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($49,186) California State University-Chico ($49,068) California State University-Long Beach ($48,631) University of Massachusetts-Amherst ($47,331)

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Iowa State University?
At 55/100, Iowa State University's Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Iowa State University?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →