Geosciences at Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
48
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,969
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,680
54% growth from Year 1
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
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 →