Geosciences at Winona State University

Winona, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,984/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 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 $683K $662K $598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.3x 15.8x 14.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.9x 9.6x 8.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,992
Out-of-state: $68,920 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,592
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,073
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,984 track close to the $39,933 national median for Geosciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.8x 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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,500 represents roughly 9 months of the $36,984 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #39 of 103 Geosciences programs, Winona State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $66,073 show a 79% jump from the $36,984 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Winona State University

With a 69% acceptance rate, Winona State University is moderately selective, enrolling 5,088 students in Winona, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Winona 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 Winona State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geosciences at Winona State University?
A score of 45/100 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 $598,386 in decade earnings vs $682,559 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →