Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at California State University-Dominguez Hills

California's geoscience programs show a nearly $10,000 earnings gap at the top end, and peer programs suggest CSU Dominguez Hills sits at the median rather than the premium tier. Similar programs across the state typically produce first-year earnings around $40,000—a figure that matches the national benchmark but trails behind what graduates from Cal Poly SLO or Pomona command by 20-25%. For a family considering this path, that difference compounds over years.

The estimated debt load of $17,900 looks relatively manageable, particularly compared to the national median of nearly $25,000 for geoscience bachelor's programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, comparable California programs suggest graduates could reasonably pay this down within a few years while meeting basic expenses. The school serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (61%), and this debt figure—if accurate across peer institutions—represents a lighter financial burden than many alternatives.

The practical question is whether geoscience degrees at this earnings level justify the investment. At roughly $40,000 annually, graduates start below what many STEM fields command, though the profession typically requires fieldwork experience or graduate study for advancement. If your child is committed to geology or environmental science and plans to stay in California, this represents a middle-ground option—not the earnings leader, but likely without crushing debt either.