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Geosciences at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,658/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 1.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #102 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	$428K	$435K	$424K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.6x	1.5x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	22	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$276,180

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$80,592

71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,065

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Columbia University in the City of New York's Geosciences program produces graduates earning $34,658/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 1.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,065 debt-to-$34,658 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #102 out of 103 programs, Columbia University in the City of New York's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

Only 4% of applicants gain admission to Columbia University in the City of New York, reflecting elite selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,899 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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 Columbia University in the City of New York

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia University in the City of New York's Geosciences program score?

This program scores 22/100 — 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.

How affordable is Geosciences at Columbia University in the City of New York after financial aid?

Sticker price is $276,180, but the average net cost is $80,592 — a 71% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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