Geosciences at Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,701/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 17.5x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #76 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $630K $615K $563K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.9x 17.5x 16.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.7x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,128
Out-of-state: $107,904 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,728
-118% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,360
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,595
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,701 per year, Geosciences graduates from Boise State University earn below the $39,933 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 17.5x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,360 debt-to-$31,701 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #76 out of 103 programs, Boise State University's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,701 to $58,595 over five years (85% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Boise State University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Boise State University prioritizes broad access, serving 17,081 students in Boise, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at Boise State 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boise State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boise State University's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' 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.
Why are Geosciences earnings lower at Boise State University?
Lower starting pay at Boise State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →