Genetics at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,713/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 11 Genetics programs

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 $644K $631K $564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 9.9x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,887
124% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Michigan State University's Genetics graduates start at $26,713/yr, trailing the $33,150 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 9.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$26,713 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #9 out of 11 programs, Michigan State University's financial outcomes for Genetics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,713 to $59,887 over five years (124% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Michigan State University

A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, with 40,243 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

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 Michigan State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Michigan State University's Genetics program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Genetics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Genetics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Genetics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Genetics earnings lower at Michigan State University?
Lower starting pay at Michigan State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →