Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Boise State University

Boise State's geosciences program starts graduates at $31,701—about $8,000 below the national median for this degree—but reaches $47,824 by year four, representing strong 51% earnings growth. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data, but the trajectory suggests graduates find their footing after initially modest entry-level positions. Within Idaho's limited geosciences landscape (only five programs), this sits at the state median, though it ranks just 12th percentile nationally.

The $27,299 debt load is actually lighter than the national median for geosciences programs, creating a manageable 0.86 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves quickly as salaries climb. For families considering in-state tuition, that combination of below-average debt and solid mid-career earnings potential makes the math work reasonably well, particularly if students can access the field-related positions that push salaries into the high $40,000s.

The key question is whether your student will stick with geosciences-related work. Those who do appear to see meaningful salary progression, but the weak first-year number suggests many graduates take time finding their niche. The small data pool means you're making decisions with limited visibility—these outcomes could look quite different in a larger cohort.