Gerontology graduates earn $54,051 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,369 and $71,812. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Gerontology is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $54,051 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 177 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 951 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$37,623
Median Earnings · 4yr
$54,051
Colleges Offering
177
Graduates / Year
951
Avg Net Price / yr
$20,197
How Much Do Gerontology Graduates Earn?
Gerontology graduates earn $54,051 four years out, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,369 and $71,812. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $37,623 climbs to $54,051 by year four.
$37,623
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$54,051
4-Year National Median
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
$55,897
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Gerontology graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.
$39,36925th pct.
$54,051Median
$71,81275th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $54,051 and an estimated $80,788 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.4 years.
Based on outcomes from 43 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 951 students who complete Gerontology programs each year, the majority (41%) earn a master's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
20%22%41%
Master's41%
Post-Bacc Cert.22%
Bachelor's20%
What Can You Do With a Gerontology Degree?
Gerontology connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment 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.
Teach courses in social work. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, or handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Top Colleges for Gerontology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Gerontology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Gerontology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Gerontology is one of 39 specializations within Interdisciplinary Studies. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Gerontology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Gerontology shows 3 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $37,623 at graduation to $54,051 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 38,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Modest median earningsFour-year median of $54,051 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Advanced degree often expectedTop 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.
High earnings varianceGap between 25th ($39,369) and 75th ($71,812) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.
Gerontology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Gerontology graduates earn?
Gerontology graduates earn a national median of $54,051 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,369 and $71,812. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Gerontology degree?
One year after graduation, Gerontology degree holders earn a median of $37,623. That climbs to $54,051 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Gerontology degree?
Gerontology degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Gerontology program take?
While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Gerontology students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.
How many colleges offer Gerontology?
177 colleges and universities in the United States offer Gerontology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Gerontology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $54,051 and an average net price of roughly $20,197/yr, a Gerontology 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 Gerontology and Interdisciplinary Studies?
Gerontology is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Gerontology-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 Gerontology graduates?
Employers hiring Gerontology graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.
What is the job outlook for Gerontology graduates?
The job outlook for Gerontology graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +9.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
Related Interdisciplinary Studies Programs
Other programs in Interdisciplinary Studies. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
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