Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,675/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.9x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #87 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $459K $463K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 7.9x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.6x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Grand Valley State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $38,675/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

At 7.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$38,675 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #87 out of 103 programs, Grand Valley State University's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Grand Valley State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Grand Valley State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 19,073 in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley 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

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grand Valley State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geological and Earth Sciences/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 →