Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,706/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (132,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $540K $538K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 51% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,455
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of California-Berkeley Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates command $50,706/yr out of the gate, well above the $38,184 national median. That 33% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.1x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,455 in median debt clears quickly against $50,706 in annual earnings.

At #28 of 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs, University of California-Berkeley scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About University of California-Berkeley

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Berkeley, reflecting elite selectivity, serving a student body of 33,073 in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at University of California-Berkeley?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Microbiological Sciences and Immunology field.
Will AI replace Microbiological Sciences and Immunology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $496,349 in decade earnings vs $539,547 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →