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Geosciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,068/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 15.3x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 5%

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	$710K	$686K	$617K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.8x	15.3x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.2x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	55	53	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,820

Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,712

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,250

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$71,564

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $43,068 per year, Geosciences graduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison earn slightly above the $39,933 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geosciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,250 represents roughly 7 months of the $43,068 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #5 of 103 nationally, this is a top-5% Geosciences program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $71,564 show a 66% jump from the $43,068 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

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

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Geosciences field.

Will AI replace Geosciences careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $617,112 in decade earnings vs $709,940 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's Geosciences program stand out?

Ranked #5 of 103 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →