Best colleges for Genetics
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Genetics by graduate earnings are University of California-Davis ($41,334), Purdue University ($39,052) and University of Wisconsin-Madison ($38,388), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of California-Davis (Davis, CA): $41,334, 93 graduates a year
- Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN): $39,052, 38 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI): $38,388, 143 graduates a year
- Iowa State University (Ames, IA): $33,330, 40 graduates a year
- Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): $31,800, 57 graduates a year
Compare 99 U.S. colleges offering Genetics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 37 states.
Genetics programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $31,800 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.08 and the Genetic Counselors occupation (BLS SOC).
About Genetics programs
The Genetics program focuses on the study of DNA structures and expressions, exploring how these variations contribute to differences among organisms. This field is ideal for students interested in biological and biomedical sciences, particularly those who wish to delve into molecular genetics and its applications in various life forms. Students will engage in investigative approaches to understand gene functions and structures within organisms' genomes. This program is suited for individuals passionate about research and the implications of genetics in health, agriculture, and environmental science.
In the Genetics program, students will acquire skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically covers topics such as molecular genetics, human genetics, and genome sciences, providing a solid foundation in biology and related fields.
Top 11 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,334 | 93 | 86% | — | $14,293 |
| 2 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,052 | 38 | 83% | — | $15,000 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,388 | 143 | 90% | — | $20,000 |
| 4 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,330 | 40 | 75% | — | $21,631 |
| 5 | Ohio State University Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,800 | 57 | 88% | — | $21,216 |
| 6 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,519 | 48 | 84% | — | $18,500 |
| 7 | Clemson University Clemson, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,346 | 68 | 87% | — | $22,225 |
| 8 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $26,713 | 70 | 81% | — | $25,125 |
| 9 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $20,373 | 62 | 84% | — | $26,217 |
| 10 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $19,112 | 80 | 90% | — | $20,375 |
| 11 | University of New Hampshire Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $51,693 | 19 | 76% | — | $26,994 |
Specializations within Genetics
7 of the 8 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.08 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- GeneticsCIP 26.0801766 graduates / yr38 institutions23 states
- Human/CIP 26.0806
Medical Genetics 477 graduates / yr40 institutions27 states - Molecular GeneticsCIP 26.0802253 graduates / yr16 institutions13 states
- Genome Sciences/CIP 26.0807
Genomics 210 graduates / yr20 institutions15 states - Animal GeneticsCIP 26.0804limited data57 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
- Plant GeneticsCIP 26.0805partial data27 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- GeneticsCIP 26.0899limited data8 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
Show all 8 codes (1 with no U.S. programs reported)+
- Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics26.0803
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Offered across 37 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-9092, Genetic Counselors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Genetics program can expect a promising job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 9.3% and approximately 300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $98,910, and a typical education requirement is a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Genetics
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.08.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.08 (Genetics) maps to 6 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-4021 | Biological Technicians |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 29-9092 | Genetic Counselorsprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Genetics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
Common questions
What specializations are available in the Genetics program?+
Specializations include General Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics, Animal Genetics, Plant Genetics, Human/Medical Genetics, and Genome Sciences.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, science, and effective communication.
What are common tasks for genetics professionals?+
Common tasks include interpreting laboratory results, counseling patients, analyzing genetic information, and writing consultation reports.
What is the typical education level for careers in genetics?+
Most careers in genetics require a master's degree.
How much do Genetics graduates earn?+
Genetics graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $31,800, College Scorecard (2019); the Genetic Counselors occupation pays about $104,620 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Genetics?+
Genetics maps to CIP 26.08 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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