Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,235 track close to the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 10.4x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $31,000 debt-to-$35,235 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #82 out of 103 programs, Central Michigan University's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $35,235 to $57,967 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.