Geosciences at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
43
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 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 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 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 44/100 — 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 →