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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,101/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #100 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) 9.6x 9.5x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,936
Out-of-state: $127,896 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,436
-34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,395
57% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,101/yr fall 25% below the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 9.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 $25,000 against $30,101/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #100 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places The University of Tennessee-Knoxville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,101-to-$47,395 earnings arc over five years reflects a 57% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

With a 46% acceptance rate, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 28,763 students in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Chemical Engineering ($76,302) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,316) Computer Engineering ($74,085) Industrial Engineering ($73,822) Nuclear Engineering ($73,724) Computer Science ($70,193) Mechanical Engineering ($65,756) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($65,298)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
At 24/100, 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
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.
Is The University of Tennessee-Knoxville a good choice for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →