2026 Best Value Microbiology Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University earned the #1 spot for value among microbiology schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $39,521. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso is a great value for students pursuing a degree in microbiology, landing the #2 spot this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $18,531 in student loans. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $22,069. That is a strong return on a $18,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.

3

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the microbiology program here. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $37,375. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX

Students looking for strong value in microbiology will find it at The University Of Texas At Arlington, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $21,395. Microbiology graduates of The University Of Texas At Arlington earn a median of $40,101 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,395 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete the microbiology program here. Microbiology graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $42,433 early in their careers. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

6

Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $19,323. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $38,040. That is a strong return on a $19,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.

7

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $25,000. Microbiology graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $37,663 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.

8

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #8 spot for microbiology value this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $24,304. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $34,451. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

9

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #9 for value in microbiology this year. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical student debt for microbiology graduates is $22,985. Early-career microbiology graduates make about $27,445. That is a strong return on a $22,985 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.

10

Texas A And M University College Station
College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value microbiology schools. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Microbiology graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. Soon after graduation, microbiology degree recipients from Texas A And M University College Station generally make around $64,891. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.