Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State's geosciences program punches above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $43,421—nearly $4,000 more than the national median for this field. While the 60th percentile ranking among Kansas programs might seem modest, it's worth noting the program actually edges out University of Kansas's larger geology program. With manageable debt of $23,875 (below both state and national averages) and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55, graduates face a reasonable financial starting point for a field that typically offers steady growth as professionals gain experience and certifications.

The caveat here is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift considerably year to year. That said, the fundamentals look solid: the combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates a cushion that matters in the early career years. For Kansas families, Fort Hays offers in-state tuition at an open-access institution, which likely keeps the debt load reasonable while delivering outcomes that compete with more selective state schools.

The practical takeaway: if your student is interested in geosciences and Kansas residency makes Fort Hays affordable, the financial picture suggests they won't sacrifice earning potential for that lower cost. The small program size might actually be an advantage for hands-on learning, though it does mean these specific numbers warrant some healthy skepticism.