Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,831/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $594K $583K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.0x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,253
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,152
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Portland State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $37,831/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,253 against $37,831/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #51 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Portland State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $37,831-to-$58,152 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Portland State University

A 91% acceptance rate means Portland State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland 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

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Portland State University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Portland 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 →