Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut State University's geosciences program outperforms most similar programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $43,915 placing graduates in the 76th percentile. That's about $4,200 above the national median for this major, and the trajectory looks solid: graduates see 29% earnings growth by year four, reaching nearly $57,000. The $26,000 in median debt—below both national and state averages—means graduates start with a manageable debt burden at just 0.59 times first-year earnings.

Within Connecticut, this program sits at the state median for both earnings and debt, which makes sense given there are only 11 geosciences programs statewide. The real story here is value relative to accessibility: with an 81% admission rate, Eastern Connecticut offers competitive outcomes in a field where many stronger-brand programs don't necessarily deliver better results. Geosciences graduates often move into environmental consulting, government agencies, or energy sectors where credentials matter less than technical skills.

The major caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual circumstances can skew these numbers significantly. Still, for a student interested in earth sciences who wants to stay in Connecticut without taking on heavy debt, this program delivers solid earnings potential at a price point that won't burden early-career budgets.