Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,178/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #75 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 $702K $678K $611K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.1x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 5.8x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,433
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,534
98% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,178 per year, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates from Washington State University earn below the $39,933 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.1x 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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,433 represents roughly 7 months of the $33,178 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #75 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, Washington State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $65,534 show a 98% jump from the $33,178 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Washington State University

With 85% of applicants admitted, Washington State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 21,583 students in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

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 Washington State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Washington State University?
A score of 38/100 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 $611,382 in decade earnings vs $701,559 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences from Washington State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →