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Geosciences at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,087/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #98 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	$401K	$411K	$406K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.5x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.6x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	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)

$38,992

Out-of-state: $115,088 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$70,100

-80% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

8.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,087 place University of Arkansas below the $39,933 national median for Geosciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 10.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the -1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,500 debt-to-$31,087 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #98 out of 103 programs, University of Arkansas's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas accepts 72% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 27,312 students enrolled in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

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 Arkansas

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Arkansas's Geosciences program score?

This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Geosciences to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Geosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Geosciences earnings lower at University of Arkansas?

Lower starting pay at University of Arkansas may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →