Genetics at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,388/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 11 Genetics programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

A Genetics degree from UW-Madison places you in a uniquely specialized field, benefiting from the university's strong research reputation in biosciences. This academic rigor and significant grant funding attract a robust network of faculty and industry connections, shaping a career path often rooted in advanced research and development. Madison’s growing biotech ecosystem, with university spin-offs and pharmaceutical research, creates varied opportunities beyond traditional academia. You'll likely find yourself in cutting-edge lab environments, contributing to genomic analysis, drug discovery, or clinical roles like genetic counseling. While foundational lab techniques are evolving, your critical thinking and experimental design skills remain paramount, often leading to roles that demand a Master's or Ph.D. To truly leverage this degree, prioritize securing substantial research internships to gain hands-on experience and build your professional network.

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 $654K $641K $571K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.6x 14.3x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,301
78% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Genetics at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
A score of 48/100 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 $571,089 in decade earnings vs $654,287 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →