Geosciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,158/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 10%

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 $765K $735K $655K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.2x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.4x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,612
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,158/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,250 against $41,158/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #8 of 103 programs, this Geosciences program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $41,158-to-$75,612 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 51/100, Colorado State University-Fort Collins'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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →