Program Analysis
Graduates earn $39,696/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $39,696 far exceeding the $19,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #23 of 103 nationally, this is a top-5% Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $64,138 show a 62% jump from the $39,696 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.