Geosciences at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,476/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI
16.7x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
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 | $533K | $528K | $496K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.8x | 16.7x | 15.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.7x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 68% | 60% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 31 | 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)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,940
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,634
65% growth from Year 1
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →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
Compare & Explore
Geosciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Frequently Asked Questions
How does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
Lower starting pay at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt 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 →