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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,459/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #43 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 $529K $525K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.1x 17.9x 16.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,268
Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,888
-166% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,995
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,481
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of North Carolina Wilmington's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $38,459/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $22,995 against $38,459/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #43 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 34% earnings increase from $38,459 to $51,481 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

A 74% acceptance rate means University of North Carolina Wilmington is accessible to most applicants, serving 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington →

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 North Carolina Wilmington

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,463) Computer Science ($66,977) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($54,105) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,369) Chemistry ($44,473) Special Education and Teaching ($42,584) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,777) Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($39,366)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 44/100, 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 University of North Carolina Wilmington?
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 →