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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,351/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #54 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 $480K $482K $460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.5x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.0x 5.7x
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)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

San Diego State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $41,351/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 14.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 $21,500 against $41,351/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places San Diego State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About San Diego State University

Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,654 students in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/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 San Diego State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($100,221) Construction Engineering Technologies ($81,608) Computer Engineering ($76,812) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,061) Computer Science ($74,523) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($74,375) Civil Engineering ($73,584) Mechanical Engineering ($69,754)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at San Diego State University?
At 41/100, 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 San Diego 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 →