Iowa State University — Ames, IA

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

at Iowa State University · Ames, IA

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $35,690/yr starting out — that's 19% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 14.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $18,589/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $82,690 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$24,018/yr

Starting Salary

$35,690

Finish Rate

75.3%

Household Income

$24,018/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $18,589/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $5,429/yr)

4 Years Total

$96,072

Typical Debt

$22,869

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,334

What You'd Really Pay

$82,690

That's about $260/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$356,900

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$82,690

Pays for Itself In

14.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+19%

Ahead After 10 Years

$274,210

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost37.9/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed7.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost2.5/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate11.3/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.