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Geosciences at University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $50,894/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 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	$554K	$547K	$510K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.0x	17.7x	16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.8x	7.7x	7.2x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	51	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)

$30,832

Out-of-state: $71,152 (7.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,492

-90% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,529

4.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $50,894 per year, Geosciences graduates from University of Houston-Downtown significantly outpace the $39,933 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,529 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Houston-Downtown ranks #11 among 103 Geosciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About University of Houston-Downtown

With 91% of applicants admitted, University of Houston-Downtown prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,812 in Houston, TX. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston-Downtown →

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 Houston-Downtown

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at University of Houston-Downtown?

At 51/100, University of Houston-Downtown's Geosciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Geosciences at University of Houston-Downtown?

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 Houston-Downtown one of the best schools for Geosciences?

Among 103 Geosciences programs, University of Houston-Downtown's #11 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 →