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%

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

Program Analysis

At $38,388 per year, Genetics graduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison earn slightly above the $33,150 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Genetics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Genetics's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $38,388 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #3 of 11 Genetics programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $68,301 show a 78% jump from the $38,388 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

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 →