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Best Value Genetics Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

New Mexico State University delivers the nation's most affordable genetics education at just $6,747 net cost, while University of New Hampshire graduates command the highest early-career salaries at $44,356. This $37,707 cost gap reveals how strategic school selection can maximize return on investment in genetics education. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 13 of the top 15 programs offering in-state tuition below $20,000. The Southwest and Mountain West regions benefit from growing biotechnology sectors, particularly in agricultural genomics and pharmaceutical research, where companies like Genmab and Applied Genetic Technologies seek genetics graduates. California leads in biotechnology employment with over 80,000 jobs, while Wisconsin's agricultural genomics sector creates additional career pathways. Graduation rates span from 52% to 89%, with University of Wisconsin-Madison achieving the highest completion rate alongside strong earnings of $37,208. Acceptance rates vary dramatically, from UC Davis's selective 37% to New Mexico State's accessible 78%, giving students multiple entry points into genetics programs.
26
Programs
$6,747 – $37,454
Net Price Range
$33,091
Avg. Program Earnings
74.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Genetics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,401 $34,704 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
2 $15,288 $36,717 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
3 $16,928 $37,208 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
4 $13,816 $29,593 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
5 $23,261 $44,356 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
6 $18,292 $34,847 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
7 $18,165 $30,047 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
8 $20,751 $31,127 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
9 $20,924 $28,960 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
10 $23,519 $23,351 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
11 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
12 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
13 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
14 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
15 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
16 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
17 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
18 $37,454 $64,990 85.2% 49.0%
19 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
20 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
21 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
22 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
23 $34,089 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
24 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
25 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
26 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $37,707 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

New Mexico State University offers genetics training for $6,747 annually while University of New Hampshire costs $44,356, primarily due to state funding differences and regional cost variations. Public universities receive state subsidies that private institutions lack, with in-state students at schools like Wisconsin paying just $11,205. Geographic factors also matter, as schools in lower-cost regions like New Mexico can offer more affordable education than those in expensive Northeast markets.

How do earnings compare across different price points in genetics programs?

University of New Hampshire graduates earn $44,356 despite higher costs, while New Mexico State data shows no earnings information available. Mid-range schools like UC Davis ($15,288 cost) produce graduates earning $36,717, demonstrating that moderate spending can yield strong returns. The earnings range of $23,351 to $44,356 suggests that program quality and regional job markets matter more than tuition costs for salary outcomes.

Is there a correlation between acceptance rates and program value in genetics?

Selective UC Davis accepts just 37% of applicants but costs only $15,288 with graduates earning $36,717, showing high selectivity can coincide with good value. Conversely, accessible programs like Western Kentucky (97% acceptance) and New Mexico State (78% acceptance) offer lower-cost entry points into genetics. Wisconsin combines moderate selectivity (49% acceptance) with strong outcomes, suggesting the sweet spot balances accessibility with academic rigor.

Does graduation rate impact the value proposition for genetics students?

Wisconsin boasts an 89% graduation rate with strong earnings of $37,208, while Western Kentucky's 54% completion rate raises concerns about student success despite low costs. UC Davis achieves 85% graduation with excellent value at $15,288 net cost. Schools with graduation rates below 65% may indicate academic challenges that offset initial cost savings, making completion rates a critical factor in value assessment.

Where do genetics graduates find the best job markets relative to program costs?

California programs like UC Davis benefit from the state's 80,000+ biotechnology jobs, justifying moderate costs with strong career prospects. Wisconsin's agricultural genomics sector supports graduates from Madison's program, which costs $16,928 but delivers $37,208 earnings. Northeast schools like New Hampshire command higher salaries ($44,356) due to proximity to pharmaceutical companies and biotech hubs, though at premium prices.

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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.