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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,588/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $513K $511K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.2x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,588 at Auburn University come in 14% above the national median of $39,933 for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs.

The 10.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$45,588 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #48 out of 103 programs, Auburn University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

About Auburn University

A 50% admission rate makes Auburn University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 25,732 students in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary $101,390/yr
Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers $99,240/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) Kean University ($50,645) Iowa State University ($50,150) College of Charleston ($49,786) Texas Tech University ($49,727) University of Utah ($49,446) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($49,406) University of South Florida ($48,565)

Other Majors at Auburn University

Chemical Engineering ($82,217) Computer Engineering ($80,067) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,680) Architectural Engineering ($77,115) Mechanical Engineering ($74,005) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,440) Industrial Engineering ($71,063) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($68,607)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Auburn University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →