Geosciences at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,696/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 25%

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 $648K $631K $575K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.6x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,138
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,696/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for 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 Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in 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% 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.

About University at Buffalo

A 69% admission rate makes University at Buffalo accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at University at Buffalo?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geosciences careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $574,558 in decade earnings vs $647,728 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University at Buffalo's Geosciences program stand out?
Ranked #23 of 103 programs nationally, University at Buffalo lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →