Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,997/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $616K $602K $553K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.4x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,869
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,145
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,997 track close to the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 9.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,869 against $39,997/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #49 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Michigan State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,997-to-$61,145 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Michigan State University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Michigan 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 →