Geneticsat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $33,330/yr in their first year — about 1.0% above the national Genetics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $564K; scenarios range from $515K to $570K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
Iowa State’s Genetics program, situated within a leading land-grant institution, offers a robust foundation in a highly specialized field. The financial data reflects the national landscape for this niche, where initial roles often involve laboratory work, data analysis, or research support, particularly within agricultural biotechnology, academic institutions, or government agencies like the USDA. Ames and central Iowa provide connections to significant players in ag-tech and animal science, influencing early career opportunities. To truly differentiate yourself and mitigate the AI risk inherent in data-heavy scientific roles, focus on developing interdisciplinary skills – perhaps computational biology, bioinformatics, or strong communication for roles like genetic counseling. Actively seek internships and research experiences to build a unique portfolio, as advanced degrees frequently open doors to higher-level research and management positions shown in the career paths.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Iowa State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Genetics
How Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Genetics at Iowa State University
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.