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Most people will try just about anything to stave off the signs of aging. But as it happens, we all age, which is why it’s important that we have experts in the field of gerontology!
What is gerontology?
Gerontology is the scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people. Unlike doctors, who focus solely on the medical aspects of aging, gerontologists focus on the social, psychological, and cultural factors surrounding aging. They also attempt to gain an academic understanding of the biological process of aging.
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How much money can you earn working in gerontology?
Gerontology is a great field to be entering right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job market for Social and Human Service Assistants will grow by around 16 percent over the next decade, a rate it defines as “much faster than average.” Almost 400,000 people are already employed in this field. With the projected growth, this means that gerontologists can expect at least 6,000 new job openings per year!
And this growth isn’t likely to stop soon. There have been countless reports on the national news about the Baby Boomer generation’s looming retirement. This deluge of retirees isn’t just important to the Social Security Administration. It also means even more people who need experts like gerontologists to manage and support their care.
Why choose a bachelor’s in gerontology?
Gerontology is a highly specialized and specific field. Attending a program in biology or sociology will give students an introduction to the aging process. However, only a gerontology specific program will guarantee students the depth and diversity of knowledge that they need to stand out in a competitive job market.
With so much job growth expected in the coming years, many people will be trying to vie for these new jobs. By pursuing one of these gerontology programs, students will receive the specified knowledge they need to stand out. If you aren't sure about gerontology, but interested in online education, check out the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
What are the best bachelor’s in gerontology?
College Choice considers several factors including institutional merit, student fulfillment, and return on investment to develop rankings. Institutional merit combines metrics such as student-to-faculty ratios, graduation rates and endowment to measure each school’s ability to provide excellent and cost-effective education for each student. Student fulfillment measures how fulfilled current and former students felt with the services and programs offered at each school. And finally return on investment looks at the fiscal benefits students are likely to receive from each school’s education, weighted against the costs of attendance, namely tuition and student loans. In the end, we believe these four schools represent the top choices for gerontology bachelor’s programs.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Gerontology Degrees
University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Omaha, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the adult gerontology field? Check out the bachelor's in gerontology at University of Nebraska at Omaha. A total of 7,996 remote learners get a top education from the public college, which offers eight online bachelor's programs.
The gerontology program provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in the field. The curriculum includes a variety of coursework, giving enrollees broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced adult gerontology topics. If applicable to their career goals, degree-seekers can participate in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Internships, externships, and industry-specific experiences give valuable knowledge to learners. Academic advisors and career counselors assist learners through the course of their studies.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. A leader in online education, the college connects students with financial aid to support their learning endeavors, reporting 85% of all enrollees receive aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
53%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Gerontology Degrees
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 years
- Online
All kinds of degree-seekers choose University of Maryland Global Campus because the public institution offers flexible learning opportunities. Distance learners all over the country choose from 31 online bachelor's programs at the Adelphi-based school. Many individuals planning for a career in adult gerontology or a related field find the bachelor's in gerontology and aging services especially attractive.
Degree candidates connect with premier faculty members and a supportive student body. The online learning environment includes classwork and projects relevant to degree-seekers' personal and professional goals. Many learners get involved with internships, externships, or research projects led by faculty members. It's possible for enrollees to mold the program to their needs and interests by working with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan of study and pick electives.
Since education can be costly, the college offers a variety of internal and external funding opportunities. Scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid benefit eligible students. Receiving some form of aid helps 46% of enrollees at the college lower their educational expenses.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
