Finding the best affordable colleges for a gerontology degree helps future healthy aging advocates pay for four years of bachelor’s tuition easier. Without financial stress, gerontology majors can focus on protecting the welfare of senior citizens during their golden years instead. Top-value gerontology degrees study the physical, mental, and social problems that specifically face elderly adults. Now’s an excellent time for investing in gerontology courses because the global population is getting older. In 2018, the Administration for Community Living reported that there were 50.9 million Americans age 65 and over. Our nation’s current average life expectancy is 78.6 years, but many people live decades beyond. Currently, the oldest living U.S. resident is 114 years old! Helping seniors live longer, happier, and more productive lives is every gerontology major’s ultimate goal. Affordable colleges for gerontology degree programs are in demand for training human services professionals dedicated to baby boomers’ needs.
Our Methodology
Therefore, Affordable Schools endeavored to create a well-researched ranking of cheap gerontology degree options that can fit students’ tight budgets. We began by accessing the public National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator database. Our team conducted an advanced search to filter out four-year bachelor’s degrees in gerontology and geriatrics. We formed an initial pool of 20 institutions that we further evaluated for quality. One pivotal ranking factor was the school student-faculty ratio. We prioritized this numerical figure because it showcases how interactive gerontology courses will be. Our staff aimed for low student-faculty ratios of 10:1 and under where professors are ready to mentor individually. Small college classes ensure gerontology undergrads aren’t lost in the shuffle. Opportunities for hands-on gerontology research, practicum, and volunteer service are also more likely. We assigned each school one to three points based on the following scale to reward strong student engagement.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Further, the AS Staff consulted the United States Office of Postsecondary Education‘s accreditation center. We double checked that all 20 potential gerontology programs were regionally accredited by the six recognized agencies. Regional accreditation is essential for a good education investment that’s valued by other colleges, employers, and certification providers. Our search for low-cost colleges for gerontology degree programs obviously ended with tuition analysis. We used the College Navigator’s 2018-19 dollar amounts for average full-time undergraduate study. Our article below notes the out-of-state cost, but our focus was on in-state tuition. We only selected gerontology universities with in-state bachelor’s pricing of $15,000 and under. Our researchers assigned one to three points based on the below rubric. These points were added to the previous student-faculty ratio points for a maximum sum of six. We then arranged the most affordable accredited colleges for gerontology degrees.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for Gerontology Degree Programs
15. Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Offering an African Americans in Gerontology (AAIG) Chapter, Bethune-Cookman University is a private, Methodist historically Black institution founded in 1904 that’s endowed for $47.8 million to educate 3,620 undergrad Wildcats in 44 majors from its 66-building Fun Coast campus. In 2018, B-CU won the Nunn-Perry Award for Outstanding Achievement. Bethune-Cookman accepted the Online Learning Consortium’s 2017 Merlot Service Award. The U.S. News & World Report declared Bethune-Cookman University the 29th best HBCU nationwide. B-CU boasts America’s 67th most liberal academics on Niche and 110th top baccalaureate degrees in Washington Monthly.
Bethune-Cookman University took our list’s 15th spot with an economical gerontology degree costing $14,814 yearly regardless of Florida residency. Led by Dr. Deanna Wathington, the Petrock College of Health Sciences provides a low-cost B.S. in Aging Studies to examine 21st-century societal issues affecting elderly communities of color. The 120-credit, SACS-accredited plan integrates 300-level major courses like Death and Dying with two semester-long gerontology practicum placements. Students could also join the Pre-Med Society, attend the National Conference on Equitable Development, venture abroad to Tanzania, become SHINE Volunteers, and minor in Social Work.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Aging Studies
In-State Tuition:$14,814
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,814
Student-Faculty Ratio:16:1
14. Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Funded by Medical Mutual of Ohio since 2016 for its Optimal Aging Institute, Bowling Green State University is a public, coed RU/H Mid-American Conference member that employs 900 full-time faculty teaching 20,395 Falcons from 70 countries online or in Greater Toledo. In 2019, BGSU earned the American College Health Association’s Best Practices Award. Bowling Green accepted the 2019 NASPA Grand Silver Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Bowling Green State University 215th nationally. BGSU features America’s 168th best student life on Niche, 221st top public education in Forbes, and 374th best alumni employment on the CWUR.
Bowling Green State University was named the 14th most affordable college for gerontology degree programs with $11,105 annual in-state tuition. The College of Health & Human Services admits upper-division cohorts of 35 for a cheap B.S. in Gerontology that researches the biological phenomena of old age. Coordinated by Dr. Wendy Watson, a 2012 Master Teacher Award finalist, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited major splits into Long-Term Care Administration and General Gerontology tracks. Undergrads can also complete 400-hour internships like Fulton Manor Rehabilitation, join the GSA Chapter, participate in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, and continue for the Master of Science.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $11,105
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,093
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
13. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Participating in the Ohio Scholars in Aging Program since 2013, Youngstown State University is a public, doctoral-granting Horizon League member that’s endowed for $265 million to educate 12,756 Penguins from 45 nations in 155 degrees online and at the 140-acre Mahoning Valley campus. In 2019, YSU earned its fourth Healthy Business Council Gold Level Award. Youngstown State accepted the 2019 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership. The U.S. News & World Report placed Youngstown in the top 165 Midwestern schools. YSU was deemed America’s 319th most liberal college on Niche, seventh best value by College Consensus, and 170th top university by Washington Monthly.
Youngstown State University claimed 13th place among affordable colleges for gerontology degree offerings with an $8,967 in-state cost. At DeBartolo Hall, the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences grants the cheap Gerontology Major (B.A.) for undergrads learning the complexity of human aging. Directed by Dr. Matt O’Manskey, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited program has a 100 percent internship rate with Menorah Park, Comfort Keepers, Mercy Health, Copeland Oaks, and more. Students may also pledge Sigma Alpha Lambda, volunteer with Bridges Out of Poverty, add the Long-Term Care Administration Certificate, travel to Ecuador, and earn the Ryan Mirkin Memorial Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
12. University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Hosting the Gerontology Conference in Maucker Union each July, the University of Northern Iowa is a public, state-funded MVC member started in 1876 that’s endowed for $118.4 million to employ 850 faculty teaching 13,553 Panthers from 57 countries at the 40-building Cedar Falls campus. In 2019, Northern Iowa received a CASE District VI Educational Fundraising Award. The UNI Omicron Delta Kappa Chapter earned a 2017 Superior Circle Award. The U.S. News & World Report picked Northern Iowa as the 25th best Midwestern option. UNI was designated America’s 131st top public school in Forbes, 231st best value by WalletHub, and 169th best college for student life on Niche.
The University of Northern Iowa is our ranking’s 12th best accredited college for gerontology degree programs priced at $8,398 in-state. In Latham Hall, the School of Applied Human Sciences has the Hawkeye State’s only affordable Gerontology B.A. dedicated to serving elderly populations. Organized by Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh, the 130-credit, HLC-accredited plan plots a Social Sciences and Long-Term Care Administration specialization with 95 percent board certification success. Opportunities include interning at Touchstone Living Center, engaging in the Memory Trunks Program, joining the Advocates for Alzheimer’s Awareness, and publishing the Gerontology Newsletter.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $8,938
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,480
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
11. Minnesota State University-Moorhead
Moorhead, MN
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Bestowing the Joshua Hanson Gerontology Service Scholarship since 2006, Minnesota State University-Moorhead is a public, coed MNSCU System branch that budgets $100 million yearly to enroll 5,836 Dragons in 82 majors online and in the Red River Valley. In 2019, MSUM had its 11th Council for Advancement & Support of Education Professor of the Year. Moorhead earned three 2018 SPJ Region 6 Mark of Excellence Awards. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Minnesota State-Moorhead the 26th top public Midwest school. MSUM was lauded for America’s 360th best education on Niche, 370th most affordability on College Factual, and 95th best campus experience on WalletHub.
Minnesota State University-Moorhead landed 11th among affordable colleges for gerontology degree programs with $8,496 Midwest tuition. The Sociology & Criminal Justice Department confers the inexpensive B.A. Degree in Gerontology at Lommen Hall for undergrads to improve public policy affecting seniors. Led by Dr. Susan Humphers-Ginther, the MN Board on Aging Co-Chair, this 120-credit, HLC-accredited curriculum boasts 100 percent job placement after interdisciplinary courses from Behavioral Science to Elder Law. Majors might also attend the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference, join Gamma Eta Rho Omega, intern at Bethany Retirement Living, and semester at Oxford.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $8,496
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,906
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
10. SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, NY
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Affiliated with the Central New York Citizen’s Aging Research & Action Network, SUNY Oneonta is a public, four-year liberal arts school opened in 1889 that’s endowed for $30.9 million to serve 6,543 Red Dragons from 12 countries with 85 percent retention online and at the 250-acre campus. In 2018, Oneonta accepted the AASCU Sustainable Development Award. O-State earned its second Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence Award in 2017. The U.S. News & World Report ranked SUNY Oneonta the 55th best Northern institution. Oneonta was proclaimed America’s 249th top value in Money, 161st best sociology program on Niche, and 144th best public college by Forbes.
SUNY Oneonta was crowned our 10th most affordable accredited university for gerontology degree students paying only $8,421 each year in-state. The Sociology Department in Schumacher Hall builds upon its human ecology framework for a cheap Gerontology Studies B.S. focused on older adults. Overseen by Dr. Alex Thomas, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited curriculum map draws courses from Health Psychology to Medical Anthropology for 95 percent job placement. Undergrads can also secure The Washington Center internships, utilize the Excelsior Scholarship, join Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, select from 16 overseas programs, and become Bassett Healthcare volunteers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,421
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,871
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
9. University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Highly regarded for its Dr. Chuck Powell Memorial Gerontology Lecture Series, the University of Nebraska at Omaha is a public, research-based CUMU member that’s endowed for $71.6 million to employ 2,145 faculty inspiring 15,431 Mavericks from 72 countries online and at three Heartland campuses. In 2014, UNO accepted the Presidential Award for Economic Opportunity. Omaha’s Omicron Delta Kappa Chapter won the 2018 Membership Growth & Stability Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked its College of Public Affairs 25th nationally. UNO was declared America’s 245th top value by WalletHub, 107th best location on Niche, and 396th most influential by the CWUR.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha finished ninth with a best-value gerontology degree charging only $7,790 yearly in-state. Since 1972, the College of Public Affairs & Community Service has awarded a cheap Gerontology B.S. to shine a light on elderly care problems. Chaired by Dr. Julie Masters, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited major delivers Pre-Health, Long-Term Care Administration, and Healthy Aging tracks online or in Maverick Plaza with at least 156 practicum hours. Undergrads can also join Sigma Phi Omega, engage in Courage to Care, research in the Center for Aging, intern at Brookstone Village, enter the Intergenerational Poetry Contest, and pursue the Gerontology Ph.D.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $7,790
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,764
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
8. William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Proudly approved by the American Osteopathic Association since Fall 2009, William Carey University is a nonprofit, Baptist liberal arts CCCU member that’s endowed for $18.5 million to employ 289 faculty teaching 4,911 Crusaders online or in Hattiesburg and Biloxi. In 2019, William Carey received the AACOM Medical Education Innovation Award. The “College of Distinction” won a 2018 University Research & ReviewBest Value School Award. The U.S. News & World Report placed William Carey 39th in the Southern Region. WCU was lauded for America’s 68th best Christian education on Niche, 21st most campus safety by WalletHub, and 17th top online degrees by SR Education Group.
William Carey University scored four points as our list’s eighth most affordable college for gerontology degree programs costing everyone $12,600. The Department of Psychology & Counseling presents a low-cost Gerontology Major (B.S.) where undergrads gain appreciation for scientific inquiries into human aging. Headed by Dr. Ritchie Thomas Sheridan, the 128-credit, SACS-accredited Baptist curriculum requires 11-week trimester courses like Personality and Developmental Psychology. Other opportunities include conducting Gulf Coast Research Lab projects, interning at Bedford Care Center, networking with Carey Connection, joining Alpha Chi, and taking the Peru Missions trip.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $12,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,600
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
7. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Belonging to the Collaborative Healthy Aging Workforce Development Program, San Diego State University is a public, space-grant RU/H institution founded in 1897 that’s generating $2.4 billion yearly by training 34,828 Aztecs from more than 70 nations in 260 degrees at three SoCal campuses. In 2007, SDSU won the Example of Excelencia in Education Baccalaureate Level Award. San Diego State earned the 2010 Champion for College Opportunity Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked San Diego the 45th most innovative nationally. SDSU boasts America’s 324th best academics in The Wall Street Journal, 43rd most diversity on Niche, and 79th top value in Money.
San Diego State University rose to seventh place among affordable colleges for gerontology degree students spending $7,488 annually in-state. At Hepner Hall, the School of Social Work admits juniors with at least 60 credits and GPAs above 2.5 into the inexpensive BA Gerontology for upper-division development of elderly care skills. Chaired by Dr. Jong Won Min, the 64-credit, WASC-accredited major blends courses like Disability Studies and Cognitive Health with 15 weeks of field practicum. Learners may also join the Gerontology Alliance, add the Human Services Management Certificate, research in the Center on Aging, give back with the Economic Crisis Response Team, and visit Vietnam.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $7,488
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,340
Student-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
6. University of Maryland-University College
Adelphi, MD
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Launching the Tuition-Free Golden ID Program for adults age 60 and over, the University of Maryland-University College is a public, coed USM System constituent founded in 1947 that’s endowed for $21 million to deliver 975 distinct online courses for 68,996 undergrad Terrapins with 100 percent admission. In 2011, UMUC received a Council of College and Military Educators Institution Award. University College won another OLC Effective Practices Award in 2018. Forbes named the University of Maryland the 41st best value and 61st top college. UMUC was ranked America’s best for vets choice in Military Times and top university for older adults by AARP with the 76th best PayScale ROI.
The University of Maryland-University College snagged the sixth spot for an affordable online gerontology degree with $7,416 tuition and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. On Canvas, the Healthcare & Science Division grants the cheap Gerontology and Aging Services B.S. for assisting Americans age 65 or older. Coordinated by Dr. Katherine Im, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited option accepts up to 90 transfer credits for fast completion of courses from Wellness Promotion to Psychosocial Aspects of Aging. Students can also find 15-week internships like Future Care Chesapeake, join Sigma Phi Omega, add the Spanish Certificate, and enter the One2One Mentorship Program.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology and Aging Services
In-State Tuition: $7,416
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,336
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
5. Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Designated an AGHE Gerontology Program of Merit, Missouri State University-Springfield is a public, research-intensive AASCU member founded in 1905 that’s endowed for $138.4 million to support 1,124 faculty and 20,681 undergrad Bears from 85 countries on the 225-acre National Avenue campus. In 2019, Missouri State won a CASE District VI Institutional Excellence Award. Missouri State had the 2015 MoCPA Stephen H. Petersen Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked MSU 111th within the Midwest. MSU was proclaimed America’s 125th best Greek life college on Niche, 189th top public university in Forbes, and 80th coolest school by the Sierra Club.
Missouri State University-Springfield was our list’s fifth best affordable college for a gerontology degree charging Show-Me State residents $7,376. The McQueary College of Health & Human Services trains BS in Gerontology majors to effectively coordinate activities for older adults. Directed by Dr. William Deal, a 2011 Special Recognition Award recipient, the 120-credit, HLC-accredited program in Hill Hall bridges courses from Public Speaking to Biology of Aging. Undergrads of this low-cost degree program could also intern at Harmony House, conduct Mnemonic Strategies Lab projects, claim the Lea Landon Scholarship, attend Expanding Your Horizons, minor in Ozark Studies, and join Gerontology Club.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $7,376
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,326
Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
4. California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Known for its 65th Street Corridor Community Collaborative Project, California State University-Sacramento is a public, space-grant AASCU member established in 1947 that’s endowed for $45.6 million to serve 28,317 undergrad Hornets from 39 nations in 151 majors with 81 percent retention. In 2012, CSUS received the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA Award. Sac State earned the 2010 CFA Lila Jacobs Award for Social Organizing. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CSU-Sacramento the 17th best West bachelor’s institution. CSUS was chosen America’s 95th top value in Forbes and 121st best big college by Niche with the 293rd best career outcomes on WalletHub.
California State University-Sacramento is our ranking’s fourth most affordable university for gerontology degree programs with in-state pricing of $7,310. At Benicia Hall, the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies awards the cheap BS in Gerontology for in-depth humanistic insights into how people age. Advised by Dr. Cheryl Osborne, the 120-unit, WASC-accredited curriculum has personalized electives from Family Finance to Recreation Therapy plus six practicum units. Undergrads may also become GERO Ambassadors, join Sigma Phi Omega, secure the Stearns Scholarship, intern at Sutter Health, take the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, and attend the CCGG Annual Meeting.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $7,310
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,190
Student-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
3. CUNY York College
Jamaica, NY
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Hosting the Conference on Aging and End of Life Issues at Bassin Center each March, CUNY York College is a senior public, four-year TMCF member opened in 1966 by Dr. Dumont Kenny that’s enrolling 8,393 undergrad Cardinals in 64 high-value majors on its 50-acre Queens campus near South Ozone Park. In 2018, CUNY York dominated the Chronicle of Higher Education’s Mobility Report Card. York College had the 2006 MAA Distinguished Teacher Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY York College 34th in the Northern Region. York was selected America’s 126th best baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly and 334th most selective university on Niche.
CUNY York College was Affordable Schools’ third best low-cost gerontology degree provider for 2019 with $7,158 in-state tuition and a 20:1 engagement ratio. The School of Health Sciences managed by Dr. Shawn Williams confers a cheap Gerontological Studies and Services (BS) for a constructive view of aging processes. Partnered with Manhattan Community College for an optional 2+2 A.S. Pathway, the 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited plan has generalist courses from Alzheimer’s Disease to Basic Cardiac Life Support. Valuable experiences include interning at New York-Presbyterian, completing the Honors Program thesis, joining SWEET Club, and taking the Moldova Semester.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Gerontological Studies and Services
In-State Tuition: $7,158
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,828
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
2. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Home to the Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair, the University of South Florida is a preeminent public, space-grant RU/VH school founded in 1956 by Samuel Gibbons that’s budgeting $1.8 billion to engage 50,755 Bulls from 130 countries across 14 divisions online and at three locations. In 2019, South Florida received the ACE Award for Institutional Transformation. USF won the 2018 Active Minds Healthy Campus Award. The U.S. News & World Report crowned South Florida the 124th best university and 71st top value. USF was named America’s 44th best big college on Niche, 201st best campus experience by WalletHub, and 14th coolest school in Sierra magazine.
The University of South Florida was positioned second by AS Staff among affordable colleges for gerontology degree options with low $6,140 in-state fees. Since 1967, the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences has offered one of the oldest and cheapest B.S. in Aging Sciences for undergrads protecting the well-being of older generations. Chaired by Dr. Ross Andel, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited program fulfills Florida’s Chapter 21z.11 code for certification with a Long-Term Care Administration specialization. Students often also volunteer with Meals on Wheels, research in the Byrd Alzheimer’s Center, intern at Angels Senior Living, and join the Gerontology Student Association.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Aging Sciences
In-State Tuition: $6,140
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,324
Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
1. Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Given a $269,000 United Way of Forsyth County Grant for Project REACHE, Winston-Salem State University is a public, historically Black TMCF member founded in 1892 that employs 1,200 staff serving 5,190 Rams from 35 countries online and at the 43-building Piedmont Triad campus. In 2019, Winston-Salem was a finalist for HBCU Digest’s College of the Year Award. WSSU received a 2018 Insight Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Winston-Salem State 36th nationally. WSSU was deemed America’s 228th most liberal school on Niche, 455th best value in Money, and 14th top choice on the Social Mobility Index.
Winston-Salem State University earned first place as the best affordable college for gerontology degree, whose students pay only $5,904 in in-state tuition yearly. The Department of Behavioral Sciences in Coltrane Hall launched a cheap Gerontology B.A. for a well-rounded introduction to what elderly, multicultural adults need. Headed by Dr. Edward Opoku-Dapaah, the 120-credit, SACS-accredited sequence immerses juniors with minimum 2.0 GPAs in courses like Leisure & Aging and Wellness Coaching as a Program of Merit. Rams could also serve with The Shepherd’s Center, intern at Brighton Gardens, attend the AARP Challenges Across Life Seminar, join Sigma Phi Omega, and minor in Deaf Studies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology
In-State Tuition: $5,904
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,151
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Which Careers are Available with a Cost-Effective Gerontology Degree?
Attending cheap colleges for gerontology degree programs will unlock diverse doors for kind, caring practitioners to serve senior citizens. Gerontology bachelor’s majors qualify for most human services careers without medical training or licensure requirements. For example, nursing home administrators manage the day-to-day operations of residential living facilities for elderly patients. Gerontological social workers help older adults cope with aging problems like medical care and financial strain. Health educators can plan gerontology initiatives to teach beneficial lifestyle choices for late adulthood. Home healthcare managers supervise personal care aides assisting elderly individuals. Life care planners develop custom long-term plans for older persons with chronic illnesses and diseases. Other jobs with an affordable degree in gerontology include mental health associate, geriatric policy advocate, grief counselor, hospice coordinator, social service assistant, financial advisor, and leisure activities director.
What is the Salary ROI at Affordable Colleges for Gerontology Degree Programs?
Choosing a cheap accredited university for gerontology degree completion is essential because social welfare jobs aren’t usually as lucrative as they are meaningful. In May 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median wage of $44,960 in community service professions. Healthcare social workers make an average yearly salary of $56,810. Adult and family social workers report mean income of $48,430 annually. Grief counselors are given $44,060 on average. Health educators can expect median pay of $45,300. Social service specialists collect mean wages of $37,040. Healthcare support workers earn $38,730 on average. Mean salary projections really jump to $83,720 in health administrative jobs though. Salary.com found that most nursing home administrators bring home $101,291 to $126,760. Gerontologists and hospice directors can make up to $196,073 and $128,937 respectively.
How is the Job Outlook for High-Value Gerontology Degree Graduates?
Most gerontology degree alumni can rest assured that their hiring prospects are very good. Grand View Research expects the geriatric medicine market to hit $1.01 trillion by 2024. In the next decade, the United States will have more older adults than children. The Department of Labor reports that the social service sector will add 371,900 total jobs through 2026 for 14 percent growth. Gerontological social workers will see openings spike faster than average by 19 percent. Employment of mental health counselors will surpass 320,400 for a 23 percent increase. Demand for nursing home administrators has been booming by 20 percent since 2016. Entry-level human service assistant positions are growing 16 percent. Health educators can also expect 10-year job growth of 16 percent. Forbes listed Iowa, South Carolina, Washington, and Arizona as the top states for older Americans. Jobs are particularly plentiful there after finishing an inexpensive accredited college for gerontology degree. If you are interested in pursuing a degree in aging studies, we hope that our ranking of the best affordable colleges for a gerontology degree narrows down your search.
AS Staff
September 2019
This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges for a gerontology degree in 2019.
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