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Geological/Geophysical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines

Golden, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $68,694/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (28,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 4 Geological/Geophysical Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geological/Geophysical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $773K $745K $660K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 8.8x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.2x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$84,744
Out-of-state: $177,504 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$116,960
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,373
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Colorado School of Mines's Geological/Geophysical Engineering graduates start at $68,694/yr — above the $63,981 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 8.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological/Geophysical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $68,694 in annual earnings.

Geological/Geophysical Engineering is offered at just 4 schools in our analysis. Colorado School of Mines's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

A 23% earnings increase from $68,694 to $84,373 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines's 60% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 5,801 students in Golden, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado School of Mines →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 4 schools offering Geological/Geophysical Engineering →

Geological/Geophysical Engineering at Other Schools

Missouri University of Science and Technology ($64,503) Michigan Technological University ($63,658) University of Mississippi ($59,070)

Other Majors at Colorado School of Mines

Computer Science ($86,268) Mining and Mineral Engineering ($83,309) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,815) Metallurgical Engineering ($78,984) Petroleum Engineering ($77,400) Mechanical Engineering ($74,145) Engineering Physics ($72,858) Civil Engineering ($70,301)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological/Geophysical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
At 61/100, Colorado School of Mines's Geological/Geophysical Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological/Geophysical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines?
The 46% 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 →