by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 36 U.S. colleges awarded 402 degrees and certificates in Genetic Counseling/Counselor. College Factual ranks 19 schools in its 2027 Best Genetic Counseling/Counselor Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $45,762 one year after completing, rising to $55,481 after four years.
Studying Genetic Counseling/Counselor covers Genetic Counseling/counselor. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Counsel Patients And Families Concerning Inherited Genetic Disorders And Diseases; Assess Risk Factors And Planning Options Associated With Potential And Actual Inherited Conditions; And Serve As Patient Advocates And Provide Referral Services In Relation To Private And Public Support Services. Includes Instruction In Clinical/medical Genetics, Methods Of Genetic Testing, Interviewing And Counseling Skills, Genetic And Support Services Delivery, Principles Of Public Health, Medical Ethics, Law And Regulations, Patient Advocacy, And Professional Standards.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., genetic counseling/counselor is a widely-pursued major, with 402 degrees awarded annually. 36 colleges award genetic counseling/counselor degrees, an average of 11 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 28.
All 402 of the awards are master’s degrees, the only level colleges reported.
Women earned 91% of genetic counseling/counselor degrees and certificates in the latest year (365 of 402). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (253) and Hispanic or Latino (46), and international students earned 22.
College Factual ranks 19 schools in its 2027 Best Genetic Counseling/Counselor Schools ranking, including 19 for master’s degrees. It also ranks genetic counseling/counselor schools within 10 states. In all, 36 colleges offer genetic counseling/counselor programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Genetic Counseling/Counselor Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
O*NET rates Reading Comprehension the most important skill for jobs related to genetic counseling/counselor, at 4.1 out of 5. The key knowledge areas are Biology, Psychology and Medicine and Dentistry. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Deductive Reasoning and Written Expression.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a genetic counseling/counselor degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 402 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to genetic counseling/counselor, at 100%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 100% |
Source: O*NET Online.
1 occupations are related to Genetic Counseling/Counselor, with an average median salary of $58,726; the strongest outlook belongs to Genetic Counselors, at 13.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Prenatal Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator, Genetic Coordinator and Cancer Genetic Counselor.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to genetic counseling/counselor, at 3,289,795.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors | 3,289,795 | 13.4% |
Genetic Counseling/Counselor graduates earn a median $45,762 one year after completing their program, $55,481 after four years and $50,915 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $45,762 |
| 4 years | $55,481 |
| 5 years | $50,915 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to genetic counseling/counselor, with a median salary of $58,726.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors | $58,726 |
Genetic Counseling/Counselor has 12 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 35,714 degrees a year; the largest are Mental Health Counseling/Counselor (12,039), Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling (6,362) and Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling (4,547). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
