Gerontology.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Gerontology.: The DTI for this program is 69.5%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Gerontology., compare your expected starting salary (currently $37380) to the average debt ($25975) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Gerontology.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 69.5%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Gerontology., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($37380) against the typical student debt ($25975), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Gerontology. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $37380, and with an average debt of $25975, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.69—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 951 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Gerontology. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Gerontology (CIP 30.1101) is a multidisciplinary field focused on aging and the later stages of the human lifespan. It examines how biological, psychological, social, economic, and policy factors interact as people grow older. Rather than viewing aging only through a medical lens, gerontology takes a holistic approach—studying not just disease and decline, but also healthy aging, independence, dignity, and quality of life. This degree is designed for students who want to work with, advocate for, or design systems that support an aging population.
For a degree search site, Gerontology is increasingly important due to demographic shifts. As life expectancy rises and populations age, demand is growing for professionals who understand the unique needs of older adults. This program is ideal for students interested in healthcare, social services, public policy, senior living, nonprofit work, research, and community planning. It is especially appealing to people who value empathy, applied problem-solving, and real-world impact.
What Is a Gerontology Degree?
A Gerontology degree is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the aging process across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on later adulthood. Students study how aging affects individuals and societies, combining perspectives from health sciences, psychology, sociology, economics, public policy, and ethics. Unlike degrees that focus narrowly on elder care or nursing, gerontology prepares students to understand aging at both the personal and systemic levels.
Universities offer gerontology programs to:
- Prepare professionals to support the health, independence, and well-being of older adults
- Train specialists who can navigate the social and economic challenges of an aging society
- Develop leaders for senior services, healthcare administration, and policy roles
- Provide a foundation for graduate study in social work, public health, medicine, or aging research
Gerontology programs often emphasize applied learning, including internships, community engagement, and case-based coursework.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how aging affects the body, mind, and social roles of individuals, as well as how institutions respond to those changes. You’ll explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with longer lifespans, including caregiving, retirement, healthcare access, housing, and social inclusion.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Understanding the aging process—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes over time
- Program planning and evaluation—designing and assessing services for older adults
- Communication skills—working effectively with older individuals, families, and care teams
- Policy literacy—understanding laws and programs affecting aging populations
- Case management fundamentals—coordinating care and services across systems
- Ethical decision-making—addressing issues of autonomy, consent, and end-of-life care
- Cultural competence—serving diverse aging populations with sensitivity and respect
- Data and research awareness—interpreting studies related to aging and population trends
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by school, but common topics include:
- Biology of Aging: physical changes, chronic conditions, and longevity
- Psychology of Aging: cognition, memory, mental health, and emotional well-being
- Social Aspects of Aging: family roles, social networks, and community engagement
- Health and Aging: healthcare systems, long-term care, and preventive health
- Aging Policy and Programs: Social Security, Medicare, and public support systems
- Caregiving and Support Services: informal and professional caregiving models
- Ethics and End-of-Life Issues: dignity, autonomy, and decision-making
- Housing and Aging: assisted living, aging in place, and community design
- Research Methods in Gerontology: collecting and analyzing aging-related data
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in gerontology prepares students for entry- to mid-level roles in aging services, healthcare support, and community organizations. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees to expand career options.
Common job paths include:
- Gerontology Program Coordinator: managing programs for senior centers or community agencies
- Case Manager: helping older adults access healthcare, housing, and social services
- Aging Services Specialist: working in nonprofits or government agencies focused on older adults
- Healthcare Administrator (entry-level): supporting operations in clinics or long-term care facilities
- Senior Living Manager: overseeing services in assisted living or retirement communities
- Policy or Advocacy Assistant: supporting aging-related legislation and public initiatives
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for social work, public health, or healthcare careers
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in a wide range of settings focused on aging populations:
- Senior centers and community organizations
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Long-term care and assisted living facilities
- Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
- Government agencies and public health departments
- Insurance and healthcare administration offices
- Research institutes focused on aging and longevity
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on role, location, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level aging services roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Case managers and program coordinators: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Healthcare or senior living administrators: often $65,000–$95,000+
- Advanced-degree professionals: can earn significantly more in leadership or clinical roles
Additional certifications or graduate education can improve earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Gerontology is considered moderately challenging academically. It is less math- or lab-intensive than some STEM fields, but it requires strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students must be comfortable integrating ideas from multiple disciplines and applying them to real-world scenarios.
The emotional aspect—working with aging, illness, and end-of-life issues—can also be demanding, but many students find this work deeply meaningful.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Care about improving the lives of older adults
- Are interested in healthcare, social services, or public policy
- Enjoy working directly with people and communities
- Want a career with long-term societal relevance
- Value empathy, communication, and advocacy
- Are considering graduate study in social work, public health, or healthcare fields
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a gerontology program:
- Take psychology, sociology, and biology to understand human behavior and health
- Strengthen writing and communication skills for reports and case studies
- Volunteer with senior centers, healthcare facilities, or community programs
- Learn basic statistics or social science research skills
- Develop empathy and listening skills through service-based activities
Gerontology (CIP 30.1101) is a future-facing degree built around one of the most important realities of modern society: an aging population. It prepares students to support healthier, more dignified aging through informed practice, thoughtful policy, and compassionate leadership.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor