Geosciences at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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, 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 41/100 — 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 →