Geosciences at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,481/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 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 $580K $570K $528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.1x 15.8x 14.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 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)
$36,096
Out-of-state: $71,712 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,008
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,984
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,371
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,481/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 15.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,984 debt-to-$34,481 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #67 out of 103 programs, Missouri State University-Springfield's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $34,481 to $55,371 over five years (61% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,407 students in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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 Missouri State University-Springfield

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Missouri State University-Springfield's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →