Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,825/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #35 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 $595K $584K $539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.0x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,952
Out-of-state: $145,608 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,556
-4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,625
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,825 per year, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities earn slightly above the $39,933 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 8.9x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $21,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #35 out of 103 programs, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,825 to $60,625 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities prioritizes broad access, with 30,469 students enrolled in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities →

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

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program score?
This program scores 46/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →