Best colleges for Gerontology
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 106 U.S. colleges offering Gerontology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 38 states.
Gerontology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,461 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 30.11 and the Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC).
About Gerontology programs
Gerontology is the study of the biological, cognitive, cultural, psychological, and social aspects of aging. This interdisciplinary field prepares students to understand the complexities of aging and its impact on individuals and society. It is ideal for those interested in careers that support the elderly and improve their quality of life.
Students in Gerontology develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework covers various topics, including biology, psychology, and medicine, providing a comprehensive understanding of aging and its challenges.
Top 4 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 Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MD Public · Bachelor's degree Online Small program | $43,840 | 12 | 33% | — | $31,344 |
| 2 | California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $38,461 | 2 | 56% | — | $21,000 |
| 3 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $37,623 | 8 | 71% | — | $25,000 |
| 4 | Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $33,497 | 9 | 64% | — | $26,973 |
Specializations within Gerontology
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 30.11 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 38 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 5 | $43,840 | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| California | 8 | $38,461 | California State University - Sacramento |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | $37,623 | Kansas State University |
| Ohio | 9 | $33,497 | Bowling Green State University |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Alaskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 3 | — | — |
| Georgia | 4 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinois | 4 | — | — |
| Indiana | 5 | — | — |
| Iowa | 3 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 2 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 3 | — | — |
| Michigan | 3 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 7 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 4 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregon | 5 | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | 3 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 2 | — | — |
| Texas | 3 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 4 | — | — |
| Puerto Rico | 3 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1071, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
Graduates in Gerontology can pursue careers in various sectors, including healthcare, social work, and education. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 17.3% and approximately 27,400 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $105,620, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Gerontology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.11.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.11 (Gerontology) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other |
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary |
| 25-1113 | Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Gerontology 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
- 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.
- Supervise laboratory sessions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Common questions
What is Gerontology?+
Gerontology is the study of aging, focusing on its biological, cognitive, cultural, psychological, and social aspects.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, alongside knowledge in biology and psychology.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Gerontology?+
Graduates can work in healthcare, social work, education, and more, supporting the elderly in various capacities.
What is the job outlook for Gerontology professionals?+
The field is expected to grow by 17.3%, with around 27,400 annual job openings and a median wage of $105,620.
How much do Gerontology graduates earn?+
Gerontology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,461, College Scorecard (2019); the Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary occupation pays about $147,570 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Gerontology?+
Gerontology maps to CIP 30.11 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.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card