Home › Montana State University › Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,030/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 17.1x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #92 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs

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 $560K $553K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.3x 17.1x 15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,064
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,960
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,030/yr fall 27% below the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 17.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $20,064 against $29,030/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #92 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Montana State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,030-to-$50,960 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montana State University

Montana State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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 Montana State University

Construction Engineering Technologies ($77,139) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,060) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,915) Mechanical Engineering ($68,469) Civil Engineering ($67,373) Computer Engineering ($67,015) Computer Science ($66,918) Industrial Engineering ($64,082)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Montana State University?
At 32/100, 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 Montana 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.
Is Montana State University a good choice for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Montana State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →