Geosciences at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,617/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 50%

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 $678K $657K $595K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 12.1x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.0x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,504
Out-of-state: $164,380 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,840
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,461
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Arizona's Geosciences program produces graduates earning $38,617/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x 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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,250 represents roughly 8 months of the $38,617 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #41 of 103 Geosciences programs, University of Arizona scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $66,461 show a 72% jump from the $38,617 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Arizona

A 86% acceptance rate means University of Arizona is accessible to most applicants, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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 University of Arizona

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at University of Arizona?
A score of 44/100 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 $595,078 in decade earnings vs $677,727 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →