Geosciences at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

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