Genetics at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,052/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 11 Genetics programs

Program Analysis

Purdue's strong STEM reputation, particularly in research-intensive fields, translates well into its specialized Genetics program. The university's robust research infrastructure provides extensive opportunities for hands-on lab experience, a critical differentiator for employers in this niche field. You'll likely find opportunities across academic research, pharmaceutical development, agricultural biotechnology, and clinical genetics nationwide, leveraging Purdue’s established recruiting pipelines. The significant earnings outcomes reflect the high demand for specialized geneticists with practical research skills gained from a large, well-resourced institution. However, the high AI risk underscores the importance of focusing on roles requiring complex problem-solving, ethical judgment, and direct patient or research management. Prioritize internships and research assistantships to develop these irreplaceable human skills.

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 $469K $471K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.8x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About Purdue University-Main Campus

A 50% admission rate makes Purdue University-Main Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 39,637 students in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

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

Genetics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Purdue University-Main Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Genetics at Purdue University-Main Campus?
A score of 37/100 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 $447,721 in decade earnings vs $468,931 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →