Geosciences at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,235/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #82 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 $604K $591K $544K
Earnings Multiple 10.6x 10.4x 9.6x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,967
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,235 track close to the $39,933 national median for 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 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.

About Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 9,916 students in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →

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 Central Michigan University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central Michigan University's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 35/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →