Genetics Colleges Under $20,000

Three University of California campuses deliver top-tier genetics education for under $16,000 annually, with UCLA posting a remarkable 92.70% graduation rate despite accepting just 8.57% of applicants. This field opens doors across the biotechnology corridor stretching from San Diego to San Francisco, where companies like Genentech and Illumina drive demand for genetic research specialists. The cost spectrum spans dramatically from New Mexico State's $6,747 net price to Ohio State's $18,292, yet earnings potential remains surprisingly consistent. Wisconsin-Madison graduates command the highest starting salaries at $37,208, while several programs maintain graduation rates above 85%. Public universities dominate this affordable market, offering research opportunities typically reserved for much costlier private institutions.

Programs

$6,747 – $18,292

Net Price Range

$33,853

Avg. Program Earnings

75.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Genetics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces, New Mexico	$6,747	$8,147	52.2%	78.1%
2	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
3	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
4	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
5	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
6	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
7	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
8	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
9	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644	$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
10	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
11	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, North Carolina	$16,931	$8,895	84.6%	47.2%
12	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama	$17,727	$8,832	62.4%	86.7%
13	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
14	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

New Mexico State's $6,747 net cost reflects aggressive in-state pricing and substantial financial aid, while Ohio State's $18,292 represents higher living costs and less generous aid packages. The $11,545 gap between these programs shows how geography and state funding priorities create vastly different educational values.

How competitive are the University of California genetics programs compared to others?

UCLA accepts only 8.57% of applicants yet maintains a 92.70% graduation rate, while UC Irvine admits 21.15% with an 86% completion rate. These acceptance rates contrast sharply with schools like Western Kentucky at 96.95%, showing the UC system's selectivity premium.

Is there a relationship between program cost and graduate earnings in genetics?

Wisconsin-Madison produces the highest-earning graduates at $37,208 despite costing $16,928 annually, while UC Davis graduates earn $36,717 for just $15,288 in costs. The data suggests that program quality and research opportunities matter more than sticker price for career outcomes.

Where do genetics graduates find the best job prospects after graduation?

California's biotechnology industry provides extensive opportunities for UC system graduates, while the Research Triangle in North Carolina benefits NC State alumni. Midwest programs like Wisconsin-Madison and Iowa State connect students to agricultural genetics companies and pharmaceutical research centers throughout the region.

More Genetics Rankings

Cheapest Genetics Best Value Genetics

All Genetics Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.