INTRODUCTION: The Human Microbiome Project (2007–2016) has contributed to the characterization of the microbiome and its relationship to health and disease processes. This information is only beginning to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge about the microbiome in the lay population. METHODS: A five-question survey was administered to the general population who attended Rutgers Day 2023, an informational open house showcasing the activities of Rutgers University. The survey was distributed by our study personnel. RESULTS: A total of 148 useable surveys were collected. We found that 73% of respondents had heard of the microbiome. Respondents were most aware of the gut microbiome (95.2%), followed by skin (51.4%), mouth (48.6%), and nose (45.9%). Respondents recognized microbiome altering factors as follows: dietary effects (89.2%), antibiotics (79.7%), exercise (60.8%), soap (42.6%), and pets (39.2%). Relationship to disease states was recognized for weight (83.1%), diabetes (72.0%), and heart disease (62.8%). Almost 20% of respondents took a probiotic, most often for gut health. However, 8.8% felt the microbiome influenced hair and eye color, and 13.5% thought it was influenced by music. CONCLUSION: This brief survey confirmed that there is a general awareness of the microbiome in the lay population, but a deficit of knowledge in many areas. Despite this, almost one in five respondents used a probiotic. As further microbiome research and its ability to affect disease becomes available, accurate and evidence-based information needs to be distributed to the community.