Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,329/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #74 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs

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 $590K $579K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.2x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.0x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,024
Out-of-state: $116,168 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,396
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,789
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,280
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Middle Tennessee State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $34,329/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,789 represents roughly 9 months of the $34,329 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #74 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, Middle Tennessee State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $56,280 show a 64% jump from the $34,329 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 16,115 students in Murfreesboro, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Middle Tennessee 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

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $535,253 in decade earnings vs $590,270 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →