Genetics at Clemson University

Clemson's genetics bachelor's comes with a significant caveat: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. That said, the first-year earnings of $31,346 land right at the national median for genetics programs, and with South Carolina having only one institution offering this degree, there's no meaningful in-state comparison to make. The debt load of $22,225 is manageable—about 71% of first-year earnings—which typically allows graduates to stay within the standard 10% income-for-repayment threshold.

The real question isn't whether Clemson delivers adequate preparation—it's whether a genetics bachelor's degree aligns with your child's career goals. Many genetics graduates continue to professional or graduate programs in medicine, genetic counseling, or research, where the bachelor's serves as a foundation rather than a terminal credential. If your child plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, be aware that entry-level genetics positions often compete with biology majors for the same roles, and the $31,000 starting salary reflects that reality.

For families paying in-state tuition at Clemson, this program offers reasonable value as a pre-professional pathway. Just understand that the small cohort size makes it difficult to predict whether your child's experience will match these outcomes, and confirm that their post-graduation plans justify starting at this salary level.