Home › University of Nevada-Reno › Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,553/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #72 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 $466K $469K $450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.0x 13.0x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,976
Out-of-state: $103,800 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,608
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,021
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of Nevada-Reno's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $39,553/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

The 13.0x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,021 in median debt clears quickly against $39,553 in annual earnings.

At #72 out of 103 programs, University of Nevada-Reno's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Nevada-Reno

A 85% acceptance rate means University of Nevada-Reno is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 15,723 in Reno, NV.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Reno →

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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/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 Nevada-Reno

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($85,733) Computer Engineering ($69,310) Civil Engineering ($67,379) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($65,194) Chemical Engineering ($64,039) Mechanical Engineering ($61,977) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($60,223) Accounting and Related Services ($59,218)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Nevada-Reno'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 →