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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,263/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $602K $590K $544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.0x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,825
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $46,263/yr, edging above the $39,933 national average for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 9.0x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $19,500 in median debt against $46,263 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #29 out of 103 programs, University of Colorado Boulder's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,263 to $61,825 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder has a 83% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 Colorado Boulder

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($88,957) Computer Engineering ($86,211) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($81,835) Computer Science ($77,385) Civil Engineering ($73,033) Architectural Engineering ($72,567) Biochemical Engineering ($70,668) Chemical Engineering ($70,359)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Colorado Boulder's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geological and Earth Sciences/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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →