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Geosciences at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,280/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.9x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #94 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 $449K $453K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.8x 7.9x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,280/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 7.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $37,280/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #94 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places University of Illinois Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Chicago accepts 78% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,814 students enrolled in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

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 Illinois Chicago

Computer Science ($78,040) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,045) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,926) Computer Engineering ($71,148) Mechanical Engineering ($69,871) Civil Engineering ($69,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,781) Accounting and Related Services ($65,680)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at University of Illinois Chicago?
At 31/100, 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 Illinois Chicago?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →