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Genetics

Genetics graduates earn $66,076 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.7%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Medical Scientists is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Genetics

Genetics is a focused area of study within Biology. Graduates typically earn around $66,076 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 104 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,703 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $31,800
Median Earnings · 4yr: $66,076
Colleges Offering: 104
Graduates / Year: 1,703
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,247

How Much Do Genetics Graduates Earn?

Genetics graduates earn $66,076 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,367 and $85,311. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $31,800 climbs to $66,076 by year four.

$31,800

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$66,076

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$63,767

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Genetics graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$45,367 25th pct.

$66,076 Median

$85,311 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,076 and an estimated $76,988 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 27 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,703 students who complete Genetics programs each year, the majority (44%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

44% 29% 23%

Bachelor's 44%

Master's 29%

Doctorate 23%

What Can You Do With a Genetics Degree?

Genetics connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +8.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Medical Scientists

$103,410

$80K $139K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 9,600 openings/yr 172K employed nationally

Writing Active Learning Science Speaking Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.

↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Biological Science Teachers

$84,620

$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

↗ +3.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Biological Technician

$57,510

$48K $72K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 9,100 openings/yr 70K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Science Active Listening Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.

Top Colleges for Genetics

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Genetics students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	121	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
2	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	108	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
3	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	88	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
4	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	72	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
5	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	70	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
6	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	62	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
7	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit	57	6.4%	$18,809	$87,555
8	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	55	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
9	Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public	52	88.7%	$18,589	$63,386
10	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	50	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
11	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	47	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
12	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA · Public	42	58.1%	$30,434	$66,125
13	Manchester University North Manchester, IN · Nonprofit	40	71.1%	$18,805	$51,504
14	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	32	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
15	Stanford University Stanford, CA · Nonprofit	30	3.6%	$13,807	$124,080
16	University of Connecticut Storrs, CT · Public	29	52.4%	$25,097	$73,997
17	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL · Public	29	88.2%	$18,749	$54,501
18	Duke University Durham, NC · Nonprofit	27	5.7%	$29,612	$97,800
19	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	26	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
20	Washington State University Pullman, WA · Public	25	86.6%	$14,971	$68,905

View all colleges

Ranked by Genetics graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Genetics program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Genetics degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Genetics Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Genetics a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $66,076 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $31,800 at graduation to $66,076 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.7% over the next decade, with Medical Scientists among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 32,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.

Genetics Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Genetics graduates earn?

Genetics graduates earn a national median of $66,076 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,367 and $85,311. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Genetics degree?

One year after graduation, Genetics degree holders earn a median of $31,800. That climbs to $66,076 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Genetics degree?

Genetics degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Genetics program take?

A Genetics bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Genetics?

104 colleges and universities in the United States offer Genetics programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Genetics degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $66,076 and an average net price of roughly $19,247/yr, a Genetics degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Genetics and Biology?

Genetics is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Genetics-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Genetics graduates?

Employers hiring Genetics graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Genetics graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Genetics graduates?

The job outlook for Genetics graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.8% job growth over the next 10 years. Medical Scientists is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.