Systems Science and Theory at Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,539/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (23% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (120,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 6 Systems Science and Theory programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Systems Science and Theory graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $408K $412K $398K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.5x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.1x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 53% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,768
Out-of-state: $81,176 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$33,308
7% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,539 place Marshall University below the $49,461 national median for Systems Science and Theory — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Systems Science and Theory programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Systems Science and Theory's typical career paths, with 23% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

This program is one of 6 schools offering Systems Science and Theory in our dataset — a specialized field with limited comparison points.

About Marshall University

Marshall University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 7,149 in Huntington, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Marshall University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Systems Science and Theory at Other Schools

Other Majors at Marshall University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Systems Science and Theory at Marshall University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Systems Science and Theory. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Systems Science and Theory from Marshall University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →