Microbiology & Immunologyat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $32,022/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Microbiology & Immunology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $429K; scenarios range from $418K to $426K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
A University of Michigan degree in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology signals a rigorous, research-intensive foundation. While initial earnings may appear modest compared to the national average, this often reflects the career paths many graduates pursue: a significant portion leverage this robust training as a springboard to advanced degrees—PhDs, MDs, or MPHs—which are critical for unlocking the higher-earning roles like medical scientists, postsecondary educators, or managers in biotech and healthcare.
You'll benefit from U-M's extensive research facilities and faculty expertise, often gaining hands-on experience that makes you competitive for coveted graduate programs or entry-level research positions in academic labs, government agencies, or the burgeoning life sciences sector in Michigan and beyond. The high AI risk in this field emphasizes the need to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you to integrate new technologies rather than be replaced by them. Focus on gaining diverse lab experience and networking to clarify your path towards specialization.
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 University of Michigan'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 University of Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Microbiology & Immunology at University of Michigan
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Microbiology & Immunology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Microbiology & Immunology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Microbiology & Immunology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $418,384 in decade earnings vs $426,324 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Microbiology & Immunology from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.