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Geosciences at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $50,645/yr (27% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs Top 25%

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	$546K	$540K	$505K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.4x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	60%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	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)

$53,704

Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,672

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,139

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,295

11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Kean University's Geosciences program earn $50,645/yr in their first year — 27% above the $39,933 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,139 debt-to-$50,645 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #18 out of 103 programs, Kean University's Geosciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $50,645 to $56,295 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Kean University

Kean University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,842 students in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kean University's Geosciences program score?

This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Geosciences to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Geosciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Kean University rank so high for Geosciences?

The #18 ranking out of 103 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →