Genetics at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's genetics program produces graduates earning $51,693 their first year—substantially above the $31,800 national median for genetics degrees and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's impressive performance for a program at a school with an 87% admission rate. Graduates also carry relatively modest debt at $26,994, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.52. By year four, earnings climb to $63,166, a healthy 22% increase that suggests strong career progression.

The caveat here matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two exceptionally successful alumni could be skewing the numbers upward. The fact that UNH is the only school in New Hampshire offering a genetics bachelor's makes state comparisons meaningless, though being in the 60th percentile statewide simply reflects you're competing against yourself. Still, the national comparison is what counts, and this program dramatically outperforms most genetics programs across the country.

For families comfortable with a small program—which often means more faculty attention but potentially fewer course options—the math works strongly in your favor. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates one of the better financial profiles you'll find for a genetics degree, even accounting for the small sample uncertainty.