Program Analysis
Iowa State University Geosciences graduates command $50,150/yr out of the gate, well above the $39,933 national median. That 26% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 12.6x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,781 in median debt clears quickly against $50,150 in annual earnings.
A #9 ranking out of 103 Geosciences programs nationally puts Iowa State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $50,150 to $54,750 over five years (9% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.