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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $50,645/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 25%

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	$546K	$540K	$505K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.4x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	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)

$53,704

Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,672

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,139

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,295

11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Kean University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program earn $50,645/yr in their first year — 27% above the $39,933 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

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 $26,139 debt-to-$50,645 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #18 out of 103 programs, Kean University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $50,645 to $56,295 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Kean University

Kean University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?

This program scores 49/100 — 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.

Why does Kean University rank so high for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences?

The #18 ranking out of 103 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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