Microbiology & Immunologyat The University of Texas at El Paso
Graduates earn $22,069/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Microbiology & Immunology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $728K; scenarios range from $633K to $738K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UTEP
The earnings trajectory for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology at UTEP appears significantly lower than typical national expectations for this major. This often reflects the regional labor market in El Paso, which doesn't host a large biotech or pharmaceutical research and development hub. Many graduates initially find roles in local healthcare settings, public health labs, or quality control in food and water industries. These entry-level positions, while crucial, may offer more modest starting salaries compared to those in major biotech clusters. The program likely provides a strong foundational science education, often serving as a stepping stone for further study in graduate school or medical programs, where the highest earning potential lies. Given the field's high AI risk, focusing on specialized skills or pursuing advanced degrees is critical. You'll need to actively seek opportunities beyond the immediate region or commit to further education to unlock the higher-paying careers associated with this field.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to UTEP's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Microbiology & Immunology
How UTEP stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UTEP
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UTEP, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Microbiology & Immunology at UTEP
What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Microbiology & Immunology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Microbiology & Immunology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Microbiology & Immunology at The University of Texas at El Paso?
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.
Is The University of Texas at El Paso a good choice for Microbiology & Immunology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at El Paso's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.