Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
esu.eduAnalysis
Similar geosciences programs across Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings around $39,000, which is where East Stroudsburg's graduates would likely land based on peer institutions. This sits right at both the state and national median for the field—not exceptional, but solid for a science degree. The estimated $26,000 in debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 that's well below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome.
The challenge is that geosciences careers often require graduate education or specialized internships for advancement, and that initial $39,000 can look modest for a field requiring significant technical coursework. However, the university's 93% admission rate and strong Pell grant enrollment (40%) suggest it serves students who might not access geosciences training elsewhere. For families watching costs, the relatively moderate debt load matters—you're not gambling on an expensive degree that demands further schooling to pay off.
The uncertainty here is real: with too few graduates to report actual outcomes, you're betting on East Stroudsburg's program performing similarly to Penn State branches and regional comprehensives. If your student is passionate about geology or environmental work and East Stroudsburg's in-state tuition works for your budget, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. But if graduate school is likely necessary for their career goals, factor that additional investment into your calculations now.
Where East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all geological and earth sciences/geosciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,036 | $38,652* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $10,507 | $41,094* | $58,597 | $27,937* | 0.68 | |
| $14,620 | $38,652* | $51,805 | $26,000* | 0.67 | |
| $14,646 | $38,652* | $51,805 | $26,000* | 0.67 | |
| $21,524 | $38,652* | $51,805 | $26,000* | 0.67 | |
| $11,380 | $34,617* | $54,932 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $39,678* | — | $24,757* | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with geological and earth sciences/geosciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Hydrologists
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Hydrologic Technicians
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 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.