Program Analysis
Graduates earn $38,804/yr, roughly in line with the $39,933 national median for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $38,804 far exceeding the $14,916 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #34 of 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs, University of California-Irvine scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $71,246 show a 84% jump from the $38,804 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.