Geosciences at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,985/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #68 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 Geosciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $501K $500K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.5x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.2x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,985 at Montclair State University come in 10% above the national median of $39,933 for Geosciences programs.

At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $43,985 far exceeding the $21,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #68 out of 103 programs, Montclair State University's financial outcomes for Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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

Geosciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montclair State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Montclair State University's Geosciences program score?
This program scores 39/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →