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Geosciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,867/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 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 $461K $464K $447K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.2x 7.3x 7.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 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)
$64,016
Out-of-state: $138,004 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,804
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,875
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$45,966
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Geosciences program produces graduates earning $38,867/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

At 7.3x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,875 debt-to-$38,867 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #86 out of 103 programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 44% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 34,623 students in Champaign, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign →

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 Urbana-Champaign

Computer Science ($124,530) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,503) Mathematics and Computer Science ($109,843) Computer Engineering ($103,123) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($86,483) Systems Engineering ($81,785) Nuclear Engineering ($81,134) Mechanical Engineering ($80,187)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →