Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Austin Peay State University$36,411
Middle Tennessee State University$34,329$42,543$31,2560.91
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville$30,101$37,906$26,0000.86
National Median$39,678$24,7570.62

Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs in Tennessee

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro
$9,506$34,329$31,256
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville
$13,484$30,101$26,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Austin Peay State University, approximately 46% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.