Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Middle Tennessee State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace 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 →