Geosciences at Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mississippi State University

Frequently Asked Questions

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