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Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,736/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (132,600 openings/yr)

ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #9 of 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs Top 25%

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	$661K	$654K	$580K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.6x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.6x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	51%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	62	61	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,988

Out-of-state: $116,292 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,604

-11% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,250

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$71,666

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Washington State University's Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates start at $43,736/yr — above the $38,184 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,250 in median debt clears quickly against $43,736 in annual earnings.

At #9 of 57 nationally, this is a top-5% Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $71,666 show a 64% jump from the $43,736 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Washington State University

A 85% acceptance rate means Washington State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 21,583 students in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington 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

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at Washington State University?

A score of 61/100 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 $580,009 in decade earnings vs $661,041 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Washington State University's Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program stand out?

Ranked #9 of 57 programs nationally, Washington State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →