Compare 7 Gerontology. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $50,758. Top programs: $63,876+.
Gerontology programs produce graduates earning between $32K and $64K—a $32K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. A regional public in Iowa outearns programs at schools with far stronger overall brand recognition.
Topping the list, University of Northern Iowa's Gerontology program delivers $64K in median earnings—well above the $51K field average. California State University-Sacramento ranks second at $61K, and Kansas State University follows at $60K. Three regional public universities occupying the top three spots is a clear signal: prestige doesn't predict program outcomes here.
Debt burden separates good programs from genuinely smart choices. California State University-Sacramento graduates borrow just $15,000 in student loans and face a 5.4% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating, meaning loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, Sacramento's 12.2% combined burden still rates 'Manageable,' making it the strongest value on both measures. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $63,876
Strong outcomes ($63,876) with 93% acceptance rate
5.4% payment burden | Excellent
12.2% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,876 | 8 | $19,691 | Excellent | $17,670 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $60,868 | 38 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $60,172 | 51 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Challenging |
| #4 | Bethune-Cookman UniversityPrivate | $51,623 | 9 | $31,000 | Manageable | $29,770 | High |
| #5 | $50,070 | 7 | $25,000 | Manageable | $25,947 | High | |
| #6 | $36,848 | 7 | $20,609 | Challenging | $23,014 | High | |
| #7 | $31,852 | 10 | $17,988 | High | $15,541 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
