Genetics at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,330/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 11 Genetics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Genetics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $570K $564K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.4x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,631
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,989
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,330 track close to the $33,150 national median for Genetics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Genetics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Genetics's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,631 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,330 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #4 of 11 Genetics programs, Iowa State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $55,989 show a 68% jump from the $33,330 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Genetic counselors $98,910/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Genetics at Iowa State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Genetics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Genetics careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $515,251 in decade earnings vs $570,393 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →