Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Angelo State University

Texas offers remarkably consistent outcomes across geosciences bachelor's programs, and Angelo State appears to track closely with that pattern. With estimated first-year earnings around $44,000 and debt near $23,000, this program sits right at the state median—matching what similar programs across Texas typically produce. That 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates are borrowing about half their first-year salary, which falls within manageable territory for STEM fields.

The challenge here is that geosciences programs in Texas show wide variability in early career outcomes. While some University of Houston-Downtown grads earn over $50,000 their first year, others at comparable schools start closer to $42,000. Angelo State's regional location in San Angelo—far from Houston's energy corridor or Dallas-Fort Worth's corporate centers—may influence which employers recruit here and what starting positions look like. Peer programs suggest graduates land solidly in the middle of the Texas pack, neither leading nor lagging significantly.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers point to reasonable financial footing rather than standout returns. The debt load shouldn't be crushing if earnings materialize near state norms, but students interested in maximizing early earnings potential might explore programs with stronger placement records at larger Texas institutions. Geography and career goals matter considerably in this field.