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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,421/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 22.0x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 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 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $496K $496K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.0x 22.0x 20.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 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)
$22,532
Out-of-state: $67,244 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,972
-140% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,898
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,421/yr, edging above the $39,933 national average for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 22.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $16,898 in median debt against $43,421 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #31 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Fort Hays State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,792 students in Hays, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Hays 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

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 Fort Hays State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,435) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($62,386) Computer Programming ($57,162) Accounting and Related Services ($56,503) Information Science/Studies ($56,399) Management Information Systems and Services ($55,111) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,129) Economics ($50,690)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Fort Hays State University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Fort Hays State 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 →