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Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,802/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (15,600 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #52 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 $584K $574K $531K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.4x 14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 60% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 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)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,969
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,680
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Washington University's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program produces graduates earning $36,802/yr — within striking distance of the $39,933 national average for this field.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $22,969 against $36,802/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #52 ranking among 103 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs places Western Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $36,802-to-$56,680 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

A 91% acceptance rate means Western Washington University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,808) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,516) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($72,675) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($68,219) Manufacturing Engineering ($65,863) Management Information Systems and Services ($61,668) Polymer/Plastics Engineering ($60,375) Accounting and Related Services ($60,048)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Western Washington University?
At 42/100, 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 Western Washington 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 →