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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,489/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 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 $535K $531K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.0x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,489 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo come in 21% above the national median of $39,933 for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $48,489 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #38 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 21,521 in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $497,711 in decade earnings vs $535,390 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →