Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

The estimated $23,763 in debt looks manageable on paper—roughly 63 cents borrowed for every dollar earned in year one—but the earnings trajectory tells a more sobering story. Similar geosciences programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $37,768, which falls short of the $39,678 national median for this field. That gap matters for a science degree that should theoretically command stronger starting salaries given the technical skills involved.

What's particularly striking is how this estimated earnings figure compares to other SUNY schools with reported outcomes. Buffalo graduates start above $39,000, while this program appears to track closer to the state median. For a field where career advancement often requires either graduate work or relocating to where energy, mining, or environmental consulting jobs cluster, starting nearly $2,000 below the national benchmark creates real friction. The 38% Pell population suggests many students can't easily absorb an extra year of graduate school or an expensive cross-country move.

If your child is passionate about geology and certain about the field, this estimated debt level won't sink them—but verify the actual career support this program provides. Geosciences bachelor's degrees can lead to solid careers in environmental consulting or government work, but they can also leave graduates underemployed without the right internships or geographic flexibility. Before committing, confirm whether this program's outcomes actually match these peer-based estimates and whether they place students in positions that justify even this moderate debt load.