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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,450/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 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 $687K $666K $601K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.2x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,888
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,728
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,450 track close to the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $15,000 in median debt against $39,450 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #33 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Oregon State University-Cascades Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,450-to-$67,728 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

With a 68% acceptance rate, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,054 in Bend, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →

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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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 →