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Geosciences at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,998/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 6.3x earnings multiple (2.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #103 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 $338K $355K $363K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.0x 6.3x 6.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 1.9x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,680
Out-of-state: $179,788 (2.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,828
3% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

University of California-Riverside's Geosciences graduates start at $22,998/yr, trailing the $39,933 national average by 42%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the -7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

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

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-Riverside

Computer Science ($81,034) Information Science/Studies ($76,090) Chemical Engineering ($68,245) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($66,430) Computer Engineering ($65,049) Mechanical Engineering ($62,554) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($61,342) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($59,309)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Riverside's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 19/100 — 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 California-Riverside?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Riverside 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 →