15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Gerontology

(source)

 

Gerontology is a multi-disciplinary study of aging that considers cognitive, biological and psychological aspects, amongst others. This is not to be confused with Geriatrics, which is the treatment of illness in older people.

A bachelor’s degree in Gerontology can lead to an incredibly wide range of related occupations, some of which are listed below. This list has been compiled from the Gerontology program Web pages of the colleges and universities listed here.

1. activities director
2. adult day care worker
3. adult protective services case worker
4. assistance worker
5. assisted living coordinator
6. case worker or manager
7. community outreach specialist
8. community services manager
9. conservator
10. counseling coordinator
11. direct care service provider
12. educator/ instructor/ teacher/ trainer
13. eligibilities specialist
14. estate planner
15. facilities manager
16. geriatric care facilities manager
17. geriatric nurse
18. geriatric social worker
19. gerontological administrator
20. gerontology specialist
21. grief counselor
22. group home director
23. health services specialist
24. health/ wellness counselor
25. home care coordinator or program manager
26. home healthcare worker
27. home healthcare/ nursing aide
28. hospice worker
29. legal advisor
30. lobbyist
31. long-term-care ombudsman
32. marketing/ sales specialist
33. memory care specialist
34. mental health worker/ counselor
35. nursing home administrator, manager or ombudsman
36. nutrition counselor
37. occupational therapist
38. outreach specialist
39. pension consultant
40. pension/ retirement advisor
41. policy advocate or analyst – private or public
42. practical nurse
43. product/ service developer
44. program coordinator, director, manager or planner
45. rehabilitation counselor
46. researcher
47. resident services co-ordinator
48. retirement counselor
49. seniors housing manager
50. social scientist
51. social services agency director
52. speech language pathologist

Some of these occupations may require additional studies, including certificates and/or advanced degrees, as well possible licensing/ professional certification. Note that the BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) does not specifically have a “Gerontologist” job profile in their Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) Web pages; however, many of the occupations above are profiled, with the BLS’s predictions of job growth between 2012-2022, for each occupation. (Compare to the national average in the U.S. of 11% during the same period.)

If some of these opportunities interest you, use this college rankings list to aid you in finding an affordable Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology or related programs, This list continues our series of “Affordable Schools” for various bachelor’s degree programs. A summary of available data follows, preceding the actual list of schools.

 

NOTES:

• As accreditation can change or only be valid regionally, please verify accreditation of any college to which you are planning to apply.
• See the “Methodology” section of the ranking list article 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing for an explanation of the process we use to rank colleges in each list.
• NCES data is subject to change and some of these “affordable degrees” guides may use more recent data than described in the Methodology.
• For the full list of programs covered to date, please check our School Rankings page.

 

Statistics Summary

This is a summary of data available for the colleges/ universities mentioned in this college rankings list for bachelor’s of Gerontology or related degree programs.

• Yearly net price range: $5,856 – $15,804 (avg. for all students per school after discounts/ financial aid)
• In-state tuition range: $5,184 – $17,390.
• Out-of-state tuition range: $8,557 – $27,409.
• Graduation rate range: 29-73%.
• Transfer-out rate range: 3-39% (two schools did not report this metric).
• Student population range: 3,947 – 41,938.
• Undergrad population range: 3,008 – 31,067.
• Oldest school: University of Iowa (est. 1847).
• Youngest school: CUNY York College (est. 1966), aka York College, City University of New York.
• # states covered: 12.
• States covered: California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Utah.

 

Alphabetic list of schools covered in this ranking:

• California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento, California).
• Madonna University (Livonia, Michigan).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead (Moorhead, Minnesota).
• Missouri State University (Springfield, Missouri).
• San Diego State University (San Diego, California).
• State University of New York at Oneonta (Oneonta, New York), aka SUNY Oneonta.
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa).
• University of Nebraska Omaha (Omaha, Nebraska).
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, Iowa).
• University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida).
• Weber State University (Ogden, Utah).
• Western Oregon University (Monmouth, Oregon).
• Winston-Salem State University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina).
• York College, City University of New York (Jamaica, New York), aka CUNY York College.
• Youngstown State University (Youngstown, Ohio).

 

 

15: Western Oregon University

Todd Hall, Western Oregon University (source)

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1856 as Monmouth University. WOU is part of the Oregon University System and is located in Monmouth, Oregon, about 65 miles southwest of Portland, OR.

WOU offers three Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), both in Gerontology, prepare students for a number of direct and related careers in gerontology (some requiring advanced degrees). This includes becoming a case worker, geriatric nurse, home health care program manager, hospice worker, nursing home administrator, occupational therapist, public policy advocate, social worker, speech language pathologist, or teacher. Both degrees require 180 credits (approx. 45 courses), with 58 for the major (incl. such course options as cognitive and physical changes in aging; death, dying and grief; healthcare operations; HR management; palliative care and chronic illness; and two senior-year practicums). WOU also has an Applied Baccalaureate in Gerontology for transfer students who have completed at least 60 quarter-credits of a qualified Associate’s degree. Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via WOU’s 27-credit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 47%.
• Transfer-out rate: 13%.
• In-state tuition: $9,105.
• Out-of-state tuition: $22,200.
• Yearly average net price: $15,804.
• Student population: 6049.
• # undergraduates: 4986.
• Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: D+.

 

 

14: SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta (source)

The State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta) is a public college established in 1889 as Oneonta Normal School. SUNY Oneonta is part of the SUNY system and is located in Oneonta, New York, about 80 miles west and slightly south of Albany, NY, and some 175 miles northwest of New York, NY.

SUNY Oneonta offers two Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), both in Gerontology Studies. Both degrees prepare students for a number of gerontological roles (some requiring graduate degrees). These include becoming an advocate, community outreach specialist, direct care service provider, educator/ trainer, facilities manager, marketing/ sales specialist, product/ service developer, program manager, or researcher. Both the BA and BS require at least 122 semester-hours (approx. 41 courses), with 39-42 for the major (incl. such course options as adulthood and aging; independent study in sociology; nutrition across the lifespan; a senior-year seminar; and a senior-year field experience). The main difference between the two degrees is the greater breadth of study offered by the BA vs. the greater specialization that can be had with the BS. Finally, students in other majors can take SUNY Oneonta’s 18-21 hour minor in Gerontology Studies. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 73%.
• Transfer-out rate: 16%.
• In-state tuition: $7,568.
• Out-of-state tuition: $17,218.
• Yearly average net price: $15,097.
• Student population: 6101.
• # undergraduates: 5836.
• Campus setting: Town: Remote.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: C+.

 

 

13: Minnesota State University Moorhead

Weld Hall, Minnesota State University, Moorhead campus (source)

Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) is a public university established in 1888 as Moorhead Normal School. MSUM is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and is located in Moorhead, Minnesota, some 230 miles northwest of Minneapolis, MN.

MSUM offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology. This BA prepares students for a variety of gerontological careers (some requiring graduate degrees). These include: case worker, community services manager, counseling co-ordinator, eligibilities specialist, gerontology specialist, group home director, mental health worker/ counselor, policy advocate, rehabilitation counselor, or social services agency director. The BA requires 120 credits (approx. 40 courses), with 42 for the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core. The major accounts for about 40 credits (incl. such course options as disease prevention; elder law; financial management; health agencies and services; health aspects of aging; morals and medicine; organizational behavior; public policy; research methods; social gerontology; and a senior-year combined seminar and field experience). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via MSUM’s 25-unit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 42%.
• Transfer-out rate: 33%.
• In-state tuition: $7,816.
• Out-of-state tuition: $14,714.
• Yearly average net price: $14,349.
• Student population: 6306.
• # undergraduates: 5731.
• Campus setting: Suburb: Midsize.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

12: University of Iowa

Schaeffer Hall, University of Iowa (source)

The University of Iowa (IU) is a public research university established in 1847. IU’s main campus is in Iowa City, Iowa, some 110 miles east of Des Moines, IA, and about 235 miles west and slightly south of Chicago, Illinois.

IU offers several Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs. Three are based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Interdepartmental Studies. This BA allows students to create their own plan of study to suit their academic and career goals. The BA requires at least 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses). Two of its degree models, the Applied Human Services track and Health Science track, have up to 15-hour emphases in Aging/ Aging Studies. Students can also choose the Individualized Plan of Study track, which allows up to 18 hours for an Aging Studies (or other) emphasis. The BA in Social Work allows for the selection of a concentration in Aging Studies (minimum 12 hours) to create a specialization in Gerontological Social Work. The 21-hour certificate in Aging Studies, meanwhile, can be combined with a number of complementary majors to give them a Gerontological focus. And, nursing students can pursue Geriatric Nursing with IU’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing. Finally, IU also offers a 15-hour minor in Aging Studies. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 70%.
• Transfer-out rate: 24%.
• In-state tuition: $8,079.
• Out-of-state tuition: $27,409.
• Yearly average net price: $14,315.
• Student population: 29970.
• # undergraduates: 22354.
• Campus setting: City: Small.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

11: Missouri State University

Missouri State, Meyer Carillon and Library with Hammons Fountain (source)

Missouri State University (MSU) is a public university established in 1906. MSU is part of the Missouri State University System and is located in Springfield, Missouri, about 215 miles southwest of St. Louis, MO.

MSU offers two Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs — the BS (Bachelor of Science) in Gerontology and the BS with a Gerontology-Psychology dual major. Both prepare students for professional careers in aging services. These positions (some of which require additional studies) include roles in: administration (home care co-ordinator, nursing home administrator); business/ finance (legal advisor, pension consultant); education (college instructor, retirement counselor); healthcare (geriatric nurse, home health worker); or social services (adult day care worker, case manager). Both BS options require 125 hours (approx. 42 courses). The Gerontology major accounts for about 42-51 hours (incl. a senior-year supervised practicum and a senior-year capstone seminar). The Gerontology-Psychology dual major accounts for about 60-69 hours (incl. a Psychology practicum and a senior-year Psychology capstone). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via MSU’s 18-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 55%.
• Transfer-out rate: NA.
• In-state tuition: $7,008.
• Out-of-state tuition: $13,668.
• Yearly average net price: $14,192.
• Student population: 21816.
• # undergraduates: 18517.
• Campus setting: City: Midsize.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

10: University of Northern Iowa

The Campanile landmark, University of Northern Iowa (source)

University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a public university established in 1876 as Iowa State Normal School. UNI is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, about 105 miles northeast of Des Moines, IA, and about 205 miles south and slightly east of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

UNI offers two Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs — both based on its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology. The Social Sciences (SS) track prepares students for advocacy and direct care positions, while the Long Term Care (LTC) track is focused on management opportunities. With either track, students can work in a variety of settings, including: adult protective service agencies, assisted living facilities, community service agencies, government agencies, home care programs, hospitals, LTC facilities, or respite care centers. Both tracks require a minimum of 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses). The SS track requires at least 34 hours of courses (incl. such options as perspectives on death and dying; psychology of aging; and a senior-year internship). The LTC track requires at least 43 hours of courses (incl. such options as health communication; LTC administration; social gerontology; and a senior-year internship). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via UNI’s 18-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 64%.
• Transfer-out rate: 24%.
• In-state tuition: $7,749.
• Out-of-state tuition: $17,647.
• Yearly average net price: $14,026.
• Student population: 11928.
• # undergraduates: 10142.
• Campus setting: City: Small.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

9: Madonna University

Madonna University (source)

Madonna University is a private Catholic university established in 1937 as Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Junior College. The school, which admits students from all faiths, has its main campus in Livonia, Michigan, about 20 miles northwest of Detroit, MI.

Madonna offers two Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs — its BS (Bachelor of Science) in Aging Studies and BS in Long Term Care (LTC) Administration. Both prepare students for careers in advocacy, direct care, or management (including becoming activities directors, assistance workers, health/ wellness counselors, home care program managers, nursing home ombudsmen, or seniors housing managers). Both require 120 semester-/ credit-hours. Aging Studies needs 33 hours for its major; LTC Administration needs 52 for its (incl. 10 for a concentration in either Nursing Home Administration or Care Management). Associate of Science (AS) options in both programs are also available. Finally, Madonna has multiple other Gerontology-related options: an Aging Studies minor; Aging Studies certificate; Activity and Program Planning certificate; Care Management certificate; Eldercare Practice certificate; Dementia Care certificate; Aging and Older Adults certificate; and Nursing Home Administration certificate. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 50%.
• Transfer-out rate: 30%.
• In-state tuition: $17,390.
• Out-of-state tuition: $17,390.
• Yearly average net price: $13,738.
• Student population: 3947.
• # undergraduates: 3008.
• Campus setting: City: Small.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A.

 

 

8: University of South Florida

Library, University of South Florida (source)

The University of South Florida (USF or USF Tampa) is a public research university that is part of the three-institution/ campus University of South Florida System (which is in turn part of the State University System of Florida). It was established in 1956 and is located in Tampa, Florida.

USF offers several Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Long Term Care Administration prepares students for the Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrators exam and subsequent careers managing various geriatric care facilities. This BS requires 120 credit-/ degree-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 39 for the major (incl. a senior-year field placement). USF’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology prepares students for Gerontology careers that don’t involve nursing home administration. The BA requires 120 hours, with 36 for the major (incl. a senior-year capstone). Students returning to school or adding to an Associate’s degree can prepare for Gerontology careers through the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) or Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS), respectively, as both offer a 24-hour concentration in Gerontology (incl. a senior-year capstone). Finally, USF also has a 15-hour minor in Gerontology, and a 12-hour concentration for the BA in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 67%.
• Transfer-out rate: 6%.
• In-state tuition: $6,410.
• Out-of-state tuition: $17,324.
• Yearly average net price: $11,355.
• Student population: 41938.
• # undergraduates: 31067.
• Campus setting: City: Large.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: B+.

 

 

7: University of Nebraska at Omaha

University of Nebraska at Omaha (source)

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is a public university established in 1908 as Omaha University. UNO is part of the University of Nebraska system and is located in Omaha, Nebraska, about 140 miles roughly east of Des Moines, Iowa, and some 190 miles northwest of Kansas City, Missouri.

UNO offers three Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Gerontology prepares students for a variety of careers (some requiring advanced study). These include working in the following roles/ fields: administration (HR manager, program director); financial or legal services (conservator, estate planner); fitness/ wellness (activities director, nutrition counselor); healthcare (adult day care worker, practical nurse); public policy (advocate, lobbyist); or social services (case manager, grief counselor). The BS requires 120 credit-hours (approx. 41 courses), with 18-20 for a required concentration or minor, and 36 for Gerontology courses (incl. a gerontology practicum). Meanwhile, two UNO degrees offer a concentration in Gerontology — the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) offers a 30-hour concentration and the BS in Emergency Management offers a 15-hour concentration. UNO also has two other Gerontology programs: an 18-hour certificate and an 18-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 45%.
• Transfer-out rate: 31%.
• In-state tuition: $6,750.
• Out-of-state tuition: $18,070.
• Yearly average net price: $10,979.
• Student population: 15227.
• # undergraduates: 12221.
• Campus setting: City: Large.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

6: Youngstown State University

Jones Hall, Youngstown State University (source)

Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public research university established in 1908. It is located in Youngstown, Ohio, about 75 miles southeast of Cleveland, OH, and about 70 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

YSU offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology. This BA prepares students to fill a variety of gerontological roles, including advocating for policies and individuals, creating/ administering programs, doing research, educating individuals and families, managing facilities, marketing/ selling services, or providing direct client care. And, these roles can take place within such settings as academic institutions, businesses, government agencies, health/ long-term-care facilities, religious organizations, research facilities, or retirement homes. The BA requires 124 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 50 hours of Gerontology curriculum courses (incl. such options as aging and social policy; family, health, and aging; healthcare policy; nutrition, health, and aging; a senior-year capstone; and a senior-year internship). Finally, YSU also offers a 21-hour certificate in Applied Gerontology and an 18-hour minor in Gerontology. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 33%.
• Transfer-out rate: NA.
• In-state tuition: $8,317.
• Out-of-state tuition: $8,557.
• Yearly average net price: $10,117.
• Student population: 12503.
• # undergraduates: 11267.
• Campus setting: City: Small.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

5: San Diego State University

Love library, San Diego State University (source)

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university established in 1897 as San Diego Normal School. It is part of the California State University system and its main campus is located in San Diego, California.

SDSU offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology. This BA is particularly suited to students who want to become geriatric services program managers. That can mean working for organizations such as adult enrichment centers, advocacy organizations, community health centers, family services agencies, financial/ retirement-planning companies, government agencies, home healthcare programs, hospitals, nursing homes, rehab/ therapy centers, or retirement communities. The BA requires 120 units (approx. 40 courses) and participation in an in-residence international experience. The major accounts for a minimum of 36 units of upper-division courses (incl. options such as advanced special topics in gerontology; analysis of programs for the aging; case management; diversity and aging; research methods; social policy and aging; and senior-year field practicums). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via SDSU’s 18-unit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 66%.
• Transfer-out rate: 3%.
• In-state tuition: $6,866.
• Out-of-state tuition: $18,026.
• Yearly average net price: $10,085.
• Student population: 33483.
• # undergraduates: 28394.
• Campus setting: City: Large.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.

 

 

4: Weber State University

Weber State University, Miller administration building (source)

Weber State University (WSU) is a public university established in 1889 as Weber Stake Academy. Its main campus is located in Ogden, Utah, about 30 miles roughly north of Salt Lake City, UT, and about 310 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho.

WSU offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS) with an emphasis in Gerontology. The BIS allows students to select three areas of emphasis, tailoring the program to suit their academic and career goals. Hypothetically, that means if a student wanted to become a provider of geriatric nutritional education for an ethnic population, they could combine Gerontology with Nutrition and a relevant Foreign Language. The BIS requires at least 120 credit-hours, with a minimum of 60 for the major, including at least 54 for the three areas of emphasis (within Gerontology that includes a senior-year field practicum). The remaining 6 hours goes toward a capstone thesis project, a capstone/ graduate prep course, and an internship option. Finally, WSU offers two other Gerontology programs: a 17-hour minor and a 17-hour, non-degree certification. (WSU also has a Bachelor of Science/BS in Gerontology, but it is currently not accepting any new students.) See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 35%.
• Transfer-out rate: 17%.
• In-state tuition: $5,184.
• Out-of-state tuition: $13,838.
• Yearly average net price: $10,005.
• Student population: 25954.
• # undergraduates: 25316.
• Campus setting: City: Small.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.

 

 

3: Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University (source)

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a public, comprehensive HBCU (Historically Black College/University) established in 1892 as Slater Industrial Academy. WSSU is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina and is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, about 80 miles northeast of Charlotte, NC, and around 105 miles northwest of Raleigh, NC.

WSSU offers two Gerontology-related Bachelor’s programs. Its Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Gerontology prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in geriatric services. These positions (some of which may require additional study), include becoming an adult protective services case worker, geriatric social worker, geriatric health educator, memory care specialist, nursing home manager, outreach specialist, pension/ retirement advisor, program co-ordinator, or rehabilitation counselor. The BA requires a minimum of 120 semester-hours (approx. 40 courses), with 61 for the major, including 30 for upper-level gerontology courses (incl. a senior-year capstone seminar and a senior-year internship). Students who want to study Gerontology but want a broader educational experience can take WSSU’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) – Depth Studies with a specialization in Gerontology. Meanwhile, students in other majors can study Gerontology via WSSU’s 22-hour minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 46%.
• Transfer-out rate: 19%.
• In-state tuition: $5,583.
• Out-of-state tuition: $15,113.
• Yearly average net price: $7,737.
• Student population: 5220.
• # undergraduates: 4793.
• Campus setting: City: Midsize.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: B+.

 

 

2: California State University-Sacramento

Cal State Sacramento (source)

California State University, Sacramento (Sac State) is a public, comprehensive university established in 1947 as Sacramento State College. It is part of the California State University system and is located in Sacramento, California, some 90 miles northeast of San Francisco, CA.

Sac State offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Gerontology. This BS prepares students to become gerontological administrators, advocates, analysts, direct care providers, program planners, researchers, or teachers/ educators. Some students will use their degree as a foundation to become providers of specific services for the aging population, including dental hygiene, food services, or travel. Others will continue on to post-graduate work in counseling, criminal justice, nursing, psychology, or sociology. The BS requires a minimum of 120 units (approx. 40 courses), with 48 for the major (incl. such course options as applied care management; a gerontology practicum; health services and systems; managing disorders in elders; recreation therapy; research methods and program evaluation; and a senior-year capstone practicum). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via Sac State’s 21-unit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 44%.
• Transfer-out rate: 3%.
• In-state tuition: $6,648.
• Out-of-state tuition: $17,808.
• Yearly average net price: $7,446.
• Student population: 29349.
• # undergraduates: 26739.
• Campus setting: City: Large.
• Campus housing avail.: Yes.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.

 

 

1: CUNY York College

York College CUNY; nearby Jamaica Avenue (source)

York College is a public, senior college established in 1966 as part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. York is located in Jamaica, Queens, NY (the Jamaica neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City, NY), about five miles north of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

York offers one Gerontology-related Bachelor’s program — its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Gerontological Studies and Services. This BS prepares students for entry- to mid-level positions assessing, delivering, and/ or developing education, policies, and services for “older adults and their families.” These positions (which may require advanced study, certification, or licensing) include: assisted living co-ordinator, home health/ nursing aide, health services specialist, long-term-care ombudsman, policy analyst, program manager, resident services co-ordinator, social worker, or social scientist. The BS requires 120 credits (approx. 42 courses), with 56 for the major (incl. courses in generalist social work practice; organization and administration of health education; program planning; psychology of geriatrics; wellness and the elderly; and senior-year field work experiences). Finally, students in other majors can study Gerontology via York’s 15-credit minor. See site for additional requirements/ details, or contact the school.

• Graduation rate: 29%.
• Transfer-out rate: 39%.
• In-state tuition: $6,396.
• Out-of-state tuition: $13,206.
• Yearly average net price: $5,856.
• Student population: 8493.
• # undergraduates: 8438.
• Campus setting: City: Large.
• Campus housing avail.: No.
• Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.