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Geosciences at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,421/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 22.0x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 50%

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 $496K $496K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.0x 22.0x 20.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,898
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,421/yr, edging above the $39,933 national average for Geosciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 22.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,898 in median debt against $43,421 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #31 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places Fort Hays State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,792 students in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays State 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

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 Fort Hays State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,435) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($62,386) Computer Programming ($57,162) Accounting and Related Services ($56,503) Information Science/Studies ($56,399) Management Information Systems and Services ($55,111) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,129) Economics ($50,690)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Fort Hays State University?
At 47/100, 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 Fort Hays State University?
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 →