Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,207/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 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 $530K $525K $494K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.3x 14.2x 13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,108
Out-of-state: $74,064 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,792
-83% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,031
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,207 per year, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire earn slightly above the $39,933 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $21,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #28 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $53,031 are relatively flat compared to the $44,207 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

With 76% of applicants admitted, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire prioritizes broad access, serving 8,995 students in Eau Claire, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire →

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
A score of 48/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $493,684 in decade earnings vs $529,502 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →