Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Clemson University

Clemson's $20,500 debt load sits comfortably below both the national median ($24,757) and South Carolina's typical debt for geology programs ($26,500), which gives graduates meaningful breathing room. The program attracts a competitive student body—admission rate of 38% and average SAT of 1341—suggesting solid academic preparation, though the low Pell percentage (15%) indicates limited socioeconomic diversity.

The earnings picture requires more caution. Based on comparable geology programs nationwide, first-year salaries around $39,678 are expected, but South Carolina programs typically produce higher outcomes, with a state median of $44,109. College of Charleston's geology graduates average nearly $50,000, suggesting Clemson's program may underperform relative to state peers—though without actual data for Clemson's graduates specifically, we're working from educated guesses. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 is reasonable, meaning graduates would owe about half of their first-year salary.

The fundamental challenge is that geology is a field where career outcomes vary dramatically based on specialization and regional industry connections. Without knowing where Clemson's specific graduates land or what sectors they enter, you're essentially betting on whether this program's particular strengths align with your child's interests and the realities of South Carolina's energy, environmental, and engineering sectors. The lower debt is reassuring, but investigate the program's industry connections and graduate placement records directly before committing.