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Geosciences at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $49,406/yr (24% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 18.0x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #13 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 25%

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	$542K	$537K	$503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.2x	18.0x	16.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.0x	6.9x	6.5x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	51	50	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,756

Out-of-state: $77,276 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,320

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,375

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $49,406 at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona come in 24% above the national median of $39,933 for Geosciences programs.

With a 18.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $49,406 far exceeding the $19,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks #13 among 103 Geosciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 24,271 in Pomona, 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-Pomona →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

At 50/100, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Geosciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Geosciences at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona one of the best schools for Geosciences?

Among 103 Geosciences programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →