Geosciences at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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 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, 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 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 $20,433 represents roughly 7 months of the $33,178 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #75 of 103 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at Washington State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geosciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $611,382 in decade earnings vs $701,559 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with 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 →