Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $43,608 at University of California-San Diego come in 14% above the national median of $38,184 for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.1x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $43,608 far exceeding the $13,811 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #44 of 57 Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs, University of California-San Diego falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.