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Geosciences at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,802/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #52 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 Geosciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$584K	$574K	$531K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.7x	15.4x	14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.1x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	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)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,969

7.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,680

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Washington University's Geosciences program produces graduates earning $36,802/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,969 against $36,802/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #52 ranking among 103 Geosciences programs places Western Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $36,802-to-$56,680 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

A 91% acceptance rate means Western Washington University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geosciences at Western Washington University?

At 42/100, 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 Western Washington 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.

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