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Geosciences at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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 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 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 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 Geosciences →

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 Geosciences at University of California-Davis?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study 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 Geosciences?
Among 103 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 →