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Geosciences at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,723/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #97 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	$559K	$552K	$514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.8x	9.6x	9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.5x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$57,188

Out-of-state: $121,676 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,092

-3% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,696

68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,723/yr fall 23% below the $39,933 national median for Geosciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #97 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places Wayne State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,723-to-$51,696 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 15,676 students in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne 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 Wayne State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Wayne State University?

At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Geosciences at Wayne State University?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Wayne State University a good choice for Geosciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Wayne State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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