Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University

Based on comparable geosciences programs in Florida, this bachelor's degree appears financially viable, with estimated first-year earnings of $40,691 against estimated debt of $24,757. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably within conventional lending guidelines, suggesting graduates could reasonably manage their loan payments while establishing themselves in the field. The estimated earnings align with the national median for geosciences programs, indicating Florida Atlantic's program tracks with typical outcomes for this major.

The challenge lies in the estimation itself. With only three Florida programs providing data, we're working from a narrow sample that includes heavyweights like the University of Florida. If those higher-performing programs are driving the median upward, Florida Atlantic's actual outcomes could fall short. Conversely, the University of South Florida's reported $48,565 shows that stronger first-year earnings are achievable in the state—nearly 20% above the median estimate.

For parents considering this program, the fundamentals look reasonable enough to proceed, but verify outcomes through direct channels. Contact Florida Atlantic's career services for actual placement data: where do graduates land, what roles do they fill, and what do entry positions in South Florida's environmental consulting or energy sectors typically pay? The estimated numbers suggest manageable risk, but you'll want actual graduate outcomes to confirm that Florida Atlantic delivers value comparable to its in-state peers.