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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,998/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 6.3x earnings multiple (2.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #103 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 $338K $355K $363K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.0x 6.3x 6.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 1.9x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,680
Out-of-state: $179,788 (2.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,828
3% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

University of California-Riverside's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates start at $22,998/yr, trailing the $39,933 national average by 42%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.3x 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 -7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #103 out of 103 programs, University of California-Riverside's financial outcomes for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Riverside →

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 University of California-Riverside

Computer Science ($81,034) Information Science/Studies ($76,090) Chemical Engineering ($68,245) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($66,430) Computer Engineering ($65,049) Mechanical Engineering ($62,554) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($61,342) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($59,309)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Riverside's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geological and Earth Sciences/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.
Why are Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences earnings lower at University of California-Riverside?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Riverside may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →