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Best Value Gerontology Colleges

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

Farmingdale State College delivers the strongest value proposition in gerontology education with a net cost of just $9,173 while maintaining a 57.10% graduation rate. The field attracts students across dramatically different price points, from this New York public institution to private options reaching $35,600 annually. Northern Iowa graduates command the highest starting salaries at $39,927, nearly $14,000 more than Kansas State graduates despite similar net costs around $15,000. California's aging population of 6.3 million seniors creates substantial demand for gerontology professionals, particularly in areas like Sacramento where CSU Sacramento offers strong career preparation at $10,512 net cost. The earnings spread from $25,967 to $39,927 reflects both geographic salary differences and program specializations within aging services, from direct care coordination to policy development.
46
Programs
$4,734 – $39,207
Net Price Range
$33,208
Avg. Program Earnings
57.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Gerontology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,512 $34,942 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
2 $10,043 $31,852 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
3 $14,609 $39,927 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
4 $14,514 $38,289 $7,992 29.6%
5 $18,290 $36,848 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
6 $20,918 $31,133 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
7 $17,883 $25,967 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
8 $23,665 $30,228 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
9 $25,321 $29,685 $13,160 8.8%
10 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
11 $22,701 $39,530 55.5% 50.6%
12 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
13 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
14 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
15 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
16 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
17 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
18 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
19 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
20 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
21 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
22 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
23 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
24 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
25 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
26 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
27 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
28 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
29 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
30 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
31 $39,207 $53,090 77.3% 83.8%
32 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
33 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
34 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
35 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
36 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
37 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
38 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
39 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
40 $17,052 $14,685 40.8% 53.6%
41 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
42 $20,593 $8,083 57.3% 73.3%
43 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
44 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
45 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
46 $32,965 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa such a standout value for gerontology students?

Northern Iowa combines a reasonable $14,609 net cost with the highest graduate earnings in this comparison at $39,927. The program maintains a solid 68.90% graduation rate with nearly open admission at 94.95% acceptance. This combination of affordability, outcomes, and accessibility makes it particularly attractive for students seeking strong return on investment.

How do public versus private gerontology programs compare in terms of cost and outcomes?

Public programs show significantly lower costs, with options like Farmingdale State at $9,173 and University of South Florida at $10,043 net cost. Private institutions like Barton College cost $23,665 with similar graduation rates around 51-57%. The earnings data suggests public programs often provide better value, with several public options producing graduates earning over $30,000 annually.

Is University of Maryland Global Campus worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Maryland Global Campus shows concerning outcomes with just a 29.60% graduation rate, the lowest among these programs. However, it offers strong earning potential at $38,289 and maintains reasonable costs at $14,514 net price. The low graduation rate likely reflects its focus on working adult learners who may take longer to complete degrees or pause studies for career demands.

Where can students find the most affordable gerontology education?

Farmingdale State College offers the lowest net cost at $9,173, followed closely by University of South Florida at $10,043. Both public institutions provide solid graduation rates above 55% while keeping total debt manageable. California State University-Sacramento also ranks among the most affordable options at $10,512 with strong job market connections in the Sacramento region.

Does the earnings range of $25,967 to $39,927 reflect different career paths in gerontology?

The $14,000 earnings spread indicates both geographic salary variations and varied career opportunities within aging services. Higher-paying positions typically involve program coordination, policy work, or specialized therapeutic roles in metropolitan areas. Entry-level direct service positions often start at the lower end, while graduates with additional certifications or advanced placement can achieve the upper earnings range more quickly.

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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.