Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?
At 24/100, 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 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 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 →