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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,450/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #37 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) 12.7x 12.3x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 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)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% 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

Oregon State University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $39,450/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 12.3x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $15,000 in median debt clears quickly against $39,450 in annual earnings.

A #37 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Oregon State University 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

A 79% acceptance rate means Oregon State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 29,557 in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon 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 Oregon State University

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Oregon State University?
At 46/100, 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?
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 →