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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,626/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #71 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$482K	$483K	$461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.3x	9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,800

Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,469

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,626/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 10.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,469 debt-to-$41,626 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #71 out of 103 programs, University of Kansas's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas accepts 88% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Kansas's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?

This program scores 38/100 — 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 →