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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,462/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $652K $634K $577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.4x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 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)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,000
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,050
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,462/yr, edging above the $39,933 national average for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,000 in median debt against $43,462 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of California-Davis ranks #20 among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $43,462-to-$66,050 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

With a 42% acceptance rate, University of California-Davis is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) Kean University ($50,645) Iowa State University ($50,150) College of Charleston ($49,786) Texas Tech University ($49,727) University of Utah ($49,446) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($49,406) University of South Florida ($48,565)

Other Majors at University of California-Davis

Computer Engineering ($96,418) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($84,343) Engineering, General ($82,956) Mechanical Engineering ($75,231) Civil Engineering ($75,165) Materials Engineering ($74,110) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,633) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,419)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Davis?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences?
Among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, University of California-Davis's #20 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →