Program Analysis
At $48,118 per year, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates from James Madison University earn slightly above the $39,933 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 10.1x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The median debt load of $21,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #27 out of 103 programs, James Madison University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $48,118 to $56,834 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.