Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,298/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 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 $542K $536K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.7x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.0x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 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)
$39,260
Out-of-state: $106,320 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,004
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,013
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Mississippi State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates start at $42,298/yr — above the $39,933 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $21,500 against $42,298/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #36 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Mississippi State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 28% earnings increase from $42,298 to $54,013 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Mississippi State University

A 76% acceptance rate means Mississippi State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 18,092 in Mississippi State, MS.

See all programs and financial aid at Mississippi 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

Other Majors at Mississippi State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Mississippi State University?
At 46/100, 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 Mississippi 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 →