Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Best Gerontology institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 109 U.S. colleges offering Gerontology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 35 states.

Institutions
109
offering CIP 30.11
States offered
35
with a program page
With earnings data
5
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
863
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$37,623
1 year after graduation
US pay · Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
$137,900
BLS OEWS 2024

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.

Learn more about Gerontology

What you'll learn

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 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD Public · Bachelor's degree
$43,8401433%$31,344
2California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento, CA Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,4611056%$21,000
3Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,623871%$25,000
4Ashford University
San Diego, CA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$33,706111%$26,445$40,396
5Bowling Green State University - Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH Public · Bachelor's degree
$33,497764%$26,973

Offered across 35 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Maryland5$43,840University of Maryland Global Campus
California8$38,461California State University - Sacramento
Kansaslimited1$37,623Kansas State University
Ohio9$33,497Bowling Green State University - Main Campus
Coloradolimited1
Connecticutlimited2
District of Columbialimited1
Florida3
Georgia4
Idaholimited1
Illinois6
Indiana5
Iowa3
Louisianalimited2
Mainelimited2
Massachusettslimited2
Michigan3
Minnesotalimited2
Mississippilimited1
Missouri3
Nebraskalimited1
Nevadalimited1
New York7
North Carolina7
North Dakotalimited1
Oregon4
Pennsylvania8
Rhode Islandlimited1
South Carolinalimited1
Tennesseelimited1
Texaslimited2
Utahlimited1
Virginia3
Wisconsin4
Arizonalimited1

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.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+17.3%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~27,400
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$105,620
typically Doctoral or professional degree
National employment
229,720
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
US average pay
$137,900
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$105,620
annual

Top-paying metros

Greenville, NC
$200,620avg
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
$190,060avg
Naples-Marco Island, FL
$188,140avg
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
$186,000avg
Albuquerque, NM
$183,660avg

Related careers

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$106,440 avg · 36,970 jobs
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
$81,880 avg · 13,350 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Gerontology programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Learning
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies
Active Listening
Monitoring

Knowledge areas

Education and Training
English Language
Biology
Medicine and Dentistry
Psychology
Administrative

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.

Tools & technology

Adobe PresenterArticulate Rapid E-Learning StudioBlackboard LearnBlackboard softwareCollaborative editing softwareCourse management system softwareDental softwareDesire2Learn LMS software

Concentrations within Gerontology

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Gerontology
    CIP 30.1101

    A program that focuses on the human aging process and aged human populations, using the knowledge and methodologies of the social sciences, psychology and the biological and health sciences.

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.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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