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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,158/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $765K $735K $655K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.2x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.4x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,612
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,158/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,250 against $41,158/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #8 of 103 programs, this Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $41,158-to-$75,612 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State University-Fort Collins accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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

Compare this program → View all 103 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) Kean University ($50,645) Iowa State University ($50,150) College of Charleston ($49,786) Texas Tech University ($49,727) University of Utah ($49,446) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($49,406) University of South Florida ($48,565)

Other Majors at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,856) Construction Engineering Technologies ($78,423) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,038) Civil Engineering ($73,326) Information Science/Studies ($67,827) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($66,109) Chemical Engineering ($62,468) Mechanical Engineering ($60,720)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 51/100, Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
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 →