Best Gerontology Schools by Graduate Salary & ROI (2026)
These are the top schools offering Gerontology, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. The score combines graduate earnings, AI automation resilience, job market demand, and return on tuition investment. The average Gerontology graduate earns $37,425/yr across 5 schools.
What do Gerontology graduates do? See career paths and salaries →Why a D.C.-Area School for Working Adults is #1
The University of Maryland Global Campus leverages its prime location to deliver the nation's highest earnings ($43,840/yr). Situated near Washington, D.C., UMGC provides a direct pipeline for graduates into federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Social Security Administration, which are major employers of gerontology researchers and policy analysts. Its focus on adult learners means the curriculum is tailored for practical application, preparing students for well-paid government and contractor roles that drive its top ranking.
The Public School Advantage in a Niche Field
In a specialized field like Gerontology, where salaries are modest and advanced degrees are common, public universities offer the clearest path to a positive return. The top three schools are public institutions, with California State University-Sacramento providing the best value proposition: strong earnings ($38,461/yr) against manageable debt, leading to the best debt-to-earnings ratio (1.94x) in this ranking. This financial prudence is critical for graduates who often plan to invest in a master's or Ph.D.
A For-Profit Surprise and a Financial Warning
Ashford University’s appearance at #5, despite weak outcomes, reveals more about the scarcity of undergraduate gerontology programs than its own strength. Its online, open-enrollment model provides access for students nationwide, but this access comes at a high price. Ashford has the worst debt-to-earnings ratio (1.17x) on the list, meaning graduates' total debt is nearly equal to their annual salary. This makes it a high-risk financial gamble compared to the public options.
AI Won't Steal Your Job, It Will Change Your Job
The high AI risk score (55%) across all programs doesn't mean robots will be caring for the elderly. It means the core tasks of a gerontologist are becoming more data-driven. Routine work like conducting literature reviews or analyzing large population datasets will be automated, shifting your focus to higher-level skills. Your value will come from designing the research studies, interpreting the nuanced results from AI-powered analysis, and applying human judgment to create effective policies and care strategies.
Leading the field for Gerontology
The top four programs by DegreeOutlook Score. Full ranking of 5 programs below.
All Gerontology Programs Ranked
Click any row for full AI scenario analysis, earnings projections, and career path breakdown.
| # | School | DW Score | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD · Public
|
53
49–53
|
$43,840/yr | 17.4x |
| 2 |
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public
|
50
49–51
|
$38,461/yr | 19.4x |
| 3 |
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS · Public
|
48
47–48
|
$37,623/yr | 14.3x |
| 4 |
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH · Public
|
29
30–29
|
$33,497/yr | 7.2x |
| 5 |
Ashford University
San Diego, CA · Private for-profit
|
25
26–26
|
$33,706/yr | 5.8x |
Frequently asked
What is the best school for Gerontology?
Based on our DegreeOutlook Score, University of Maryland Global Campus ranks #1 for Gerontology with a score of 53/100 and graduate earnings of $43,840/yr.
How much do Gerontology graduates earn?
Across 5 schools, Gerontology graduates earn an average of $37,425/yr in their first year. The highest-earning program reports $43,840/yr.
Is Gerontology a good major for AI resistance?
Gerontology has an average AI task exposure of 55%, rated "High". This field has significant AI exposure. Check individual program pages for scenario analysis.