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Geosciences at Carleton College

Northfield, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,371/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #95 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 $473K $475K $455K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$261,828
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$109,280
58% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,371/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #95 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places Carleton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Carleton College

Carleton College accepts 22% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a smaller institution with 2,019 students in Northfield, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $109,280 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Carleton College →

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 Geosciences →

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 Carleton College

Computer Science ($88,132) Economics ($66,567) Research and Experimental Psychology ($39,238) Biology, General ($30,726) Political Science and Government ($29,858) English Language and Literature, General ($20,780)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Carleton College?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geosciences at Carleton College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Geosciences at Carleton College?
The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $261,828. At a net cost of $109,280, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →