Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,528/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 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 $517K $514K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.2x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,251
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,211
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,528 per year, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates from Northern Arizona University earn slightly above the $39,933 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 10.2x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $21,251 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #53 out of 103 programs, Northern Arizona University's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,528 to $51,211 shows 20% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, with 23,041 students enrolled in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geological and Earth Sciences/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 →