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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,974/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 7.9x earnings multiple (2.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #42 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	$550K	$543K	$507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.0x	7.9x	7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.4x	2.3x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$68,912

Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,328

14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,875

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,772

21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,974 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor come in 15% above the national median of $39,933 for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs.

At 7.9x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $45,974 far exceeding the $17,875 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #42 out of 103 programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor'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 $45,974 to $55,772 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts 18% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?

This program scores 44/100 — 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 →