Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Fort Lewis College

Fort Lewis College's geoscience program shows momentum that matters more than the starting point. Based on comparable Colorado programs, graduates likely earn around $46,000 in their first year—already $6,500 above the national median for geology majors—then jump to $58,000 by year four. That's a 26% increase in just three years, suggesting the field rewards experience and that Fort Lewis graduates are finding their footing in Colorado's competitive geology market.

The estimated $26,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary. This mirrors other Colorado geology programs and represents a reasonable investment for a field where earnings climb steadily. With mining, environmental consulting, and energy sectors all active in the state, the demand side appears solid.

The catch? These figures come from just three similar Colorado programs, so there's more uncertainty here than with larger datasets. Fort Lewis serves a student body where over a third receive Pell grants, and its 93% admission rate suggests accessibility rather than selectivity. If your child thrives in hands-on learning in an outdoor-focused setting—Durango offers unmatched field opportunities—the investment looks sound. But verify the program's industry connections and graduate placement specifically, since small sample sizes mean individual program quality matters more than usual.