Best Genetics Programs
Genetics are the fundamental blueprints of humanity. New and exciting healthcare jobs and applications are emerging, taking advantage of progress in genetic research.
A bachelor’s in genetics is a doorway to being a part of this exciting movement. After learning basic and evolutionary biology, students pursue advanced subjects such as genomics and molecular genetics. They can also pursue research experience.
A bachelor’s in genetics typically takes four years to complete. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, tuition at four-year schools cost an average of $16,618 per year as of the 2020-2021 academic year. Hybrid and online degrees can vary in cost and length compared to on-campus options.
While many learners go on to graduate school, others pursue job options such as those in biotech sales, earning an average annual salary of $108,850 as of May 2022 Payscale data. They can also start jobs in forensic science ($55,810 average annual salary as of June 2022), and clinical research ($69,370 average annual salary as of June 2022).
Keep reading to learn what an education and career in genetics could mean for your future.
Popular Online Genetics Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Our Top Pick
University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia
Why It’s #1: The University of Georgia tops our 2022 list of top bachelor’s in genetics programs. The program boasts a high graduation rate (87%) and reasonable tuition for both in-state ($12,080) and out-of-state ($31,120) students. While the admissions rate is highly competitive (45%), the well-above-average number of students receiving financial aid (97%) makes the University of Georgia a top choice for affordable genetics education.
Best Accredited Bachelor’s in Genetics Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled38,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,273
- Out-of-state$36,333
- In-State$10,728
- Out-of-state$24,054
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled44,257
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate27%
- Students Enrolled36,908
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$6,535
- Out-of-state$26,654
- In-State$9,095
- Out-of-state$26,421
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$41,196
- In-State$11,442
- Out-of-state$26,544
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled38,634
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment5%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,042
- Out-of-state$23,230
- In-State$9,758
- Out-of-state$24,720
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled33,372
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,953
- Out-of-state$24,531
- In-State$11,493
- Out-of-state$25,248
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled31,607
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,875
- Out-of-state$21,864
- In-State$4,844
- Out-of-state$16,834
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled14,296
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$46,870
- Out-of-state$46,870
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled1,494
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor’s in Genetics ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 29 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor’s degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges’ Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About Genetics Programs
Is a bachelor’s in genetics worth it?
Yes. A bachelor’s in genetics degree is often worth it for students interested in biological science. The degree introduces students to biology. Graduates majoring in genetics gain the appropriate knowledge to pursue careers in research and progress to graduate-level education, including medical school.
When determining whether a degree is worth the time and expense, it is important to review your financial situation. Compare your resources, potential financial aid, and the cost of pursuing your education. With a combination of scholarships, grants, and loans, college is accessible for many people.
What can I do with a bachelor’s in genetics?
Graduates with a bachelor’s in genetics can pursue a career right after college. Possible positions include clinical research assistant, biotech salesperson, and forensic scientist. These careers allow graduates to apply their genetics knowledge in the real world.
What links all jobs you can do with a bachelor’s in genetics is a fundamental understanding of biological science and proof you can tackle complex scientific issues. A bachelor’s in genetics gives you knowledge in the field, and it helps you develop research and learning skills applicable to many positions.
What continuing education is available for genetics graduates?
Continuing education is a common tactic to switch specializations, qualify for more senior positions, and increase earning potential. Possible next steps for professionals in genetics include medical school or a Ph.D. to investigate independent research questions. However, graduates go on to all kinds of continuing education programs, including master’s degrees, law degrees, and MBAs.
Graduates also continue to develop in the genetics field outside of school. Many pursue independent research through their work and publish and present it. Even those not publishing may attend conferences and read academic publications to keep up with the latest findings. Some workplaces also offer programs to update their employees on the latest science.
How much money can I make with a bachelor’s in genetics?
A bachelor’s in genetics opens the door to many well-paying fields. According to Payscale, graduates can work in forensic science and earn over $55,000 on average per year as of June 2022. They can also work as biomedical engineers, who earned an average annual salary of $69,130 as of June 2022.
Higher degrees may lead to even higher-paying careers. When choosing whether to pursue further education, compare potential salary increases to the cost of education.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s in genetics?
With a bachelor’s in genetics, the highest-paying jobs include biotech salesperson and clinical researcher. According to Payscale data, these professionals earned average annual salaries of $108,850 as of May 2022 and $69,370 as of June 2022, respectively.
Students looking to maximize income may need to pursue more education. A master’s degree in genetics, along with a Ph.D. and degree in law and business, are common next steps for graduates. Some positions also require further licenses and exams.
Feature Image: Westend61 / Getty Images
Explore More College Resources
Should I Go to College Online or On Campus? Here’s How to Decide
Deciding to take classes online or on campus is a difficult choice. This article guides you through the decision-making process.
Updated March 21, 2023
How to Choose a College
Learn how to choose the right college for you by considering factors such as location, size, majors, reputation, campus culture, costs, and financial aid.
Updated July 8, 2024
Choosing a College Major: Advice From Recent Grads
Choosing a college major is a decision many students agonize over. Here, recent grads offer new students advice they wish they’d heard earlier.
Updated September 28, 2023