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Geosciences at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,450/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 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 $687K $666K $601K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.2x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,888
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,728
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,450 track close to the $39,933 national median for Geosciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $39,450 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #33 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places Oregon State University-Cascades Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,450-to-$67,728 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

With a 68% acceptance rate, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,054 in Bend, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →

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

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geosciences →

Geosciences at Other Schools

University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) Kean University ($50,645) Iowa State University ($50,150) College of Charleston ($49,786) Texas Tech University ($49,727) University of Utah ($49,446) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($49,406) University of South Florida ($48,565)

Other Majors at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 47/100, 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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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 →