Genetics at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's genetics bachelor's program sits squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but the limited number of Ohio schools offering this degree—just two statewide—means your in-state options are essentially this or one alternative. The $21,216 debt load is reasonable, and graduates who stick with the field see significant earnings growth, jumping from $31,800 to $48,720 over four years. That 53% increase suggests this degree opens doors to better opportunities once you establish yourself, though the starting salary is modest.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. A genetics degree often serves as a stepping stone to graduate programs in medicine, research, or biotech rather than a terminal credential, which may explain both the middling starting salary and the strong growth trajectory. If your child plans to continue their education, the relatively low debt burden positions them well for that path. If they're aiming to work immediately after graduation, understand that $31,800 won't go far in many Ohio cities.

For families prioritizing in-state tuition at a flagship university with strong research infrastructure, this works. Just recognize you're betting on what comes after the bachelor's degree—whether that's grad school, industry experience, or professional certifications—rather than immediate post-graduation earnings alone.