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Gerontology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

CUNY York College delivers the nation's most affordable gerontology education at just $4,734 net cost, making specialized aging services training accessible in one of America's most expensive metropolitan areas. This price advantage becomes significant when considering that gerontology graduates typically earn between $31,852 and $39,927 annually, meaning students can enter the workforce with minimal debt burden. The field connects directly to America's aging population crisis, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 50% growth in aging services roles through 2030. While acceptance rates vary dramatically from University of South Florida's selective 44% to University of Mississippi's open-door 97% policy, graduation rates tell a more complex story. Some programs like University of South Florida achieve 75% completion rates, while others struggle with retention. The geographic spread of affordable programs spans from New York's urban centers to Utah's mountain regions, reflecting the national scope of aging services demand. California State University-Sacramento graduates carry median debt of $19,831, still manageable given career earning potential in this growing field.
30
Programs
$4,734 – $19,568
Net Price Range
$34,638
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Gerontology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
2 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
3 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
4 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
5 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
6 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
7 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
9 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
10 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
11 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
12 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
13 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
14 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
15 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
16 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
17 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
18 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
19 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
20 $17,052 $14,685 40.8% 53.6%
21 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
22 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
23 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
24 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
25 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
26 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
27 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
28 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
29 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
30 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY York College's gerontology program so affordable compared to other options?

CUNY York College charges just $4,734 in net costs, nearly half the price of the next cheapest option at Farmingdale State College ($9,173). As part of New York's public university system, the college benefits from state funding that keeps tuition low despite operating in an expensive metropolitan area. The program maintains a 59% acceptance rate while serving students in Queens, where aging services jobs are plentiful. However, the graduation rate of 30% suggests students should carefully consider academic support resources before enrolling.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable gerontology programs?

Graduation rates span from University of South Florida's impressive 75% down to University of Maryland Global Campus at just 30%. Mid-range performers like Sacramento State achieve 56% graduation rates with reasonable debt loads of $19,831. Private nonprofit Saint Xavier University maintains 59% graduation rates despite charging higher net costs of $12,093. Schools with very high acceptance rates like University of Mississippi (97%) still achieve solid 69% graduation rates, suggesting that open admissions doesn't necessarily compromise student success.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private gerontology programs?

Saint Xavier University represents the only private nonprofit option in this affordable range at $12,093 net cost, while most public universities fall between $4,734 and $14,514. The private option costs about $2,000 more than mid-range public alternatives like University of North Texas ($14,352). However, Saint Xavier's Chicago location provides access to numerous healthcare systems and senior living facilities for internships. Public universities generally offer better value, with in-state tuition ranging from $6,391 at Weber State to $11,164 at University of North Texas.

Where can students find the best career outcomes in affordable gerontology programs?

University of South Florida graduates earn $31,852 annually, the lowest among programs reporting earnings data, while University of Maryland Global Campus graduates average $38,289 despite the school's low 30% graduation rate. California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $34,942 with manageable debt of $19,831. The $7,000 earnings gap between highest and lowest-earning programs reflects regional cost of living differences and local job market conditions. Florida's large retiree population creates numerous entry-level positions, while Maryland's proximity to federal agencies offers higher-paying specialized roles.

Does program selectivity correlate with better outcomes in gerontology education?

University of South Florida maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 44% and achieves the highest graduation rate at 75%, suggesting that selectivity can predict student success. However, University of Mississippi accepts 97% of applicants while still graduating 69% of students, proving that open access doesn't guarantee poor outcomes. Moderately selective programs like Farmingdale State (73% acceptance, 57% graduation) often provide the best balance of accessibility and support. The most selective programs tend to have stronger academic support systems, but motivated students can succeed in less selective environments with proper preparation.

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