Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's geoscience program occupies an unusual position: it ranks in the 60th percentile among Tennessee programs but only the 18th percentile nationally, revealing just how weak the state's offerings are in this field. Starting at $34,329—roughly $5,000 below the national median—graduates actually earn more than the Tennessee median and even outpace UT-Knoxville's program. The debt load of $31,256 is concerning, sitting above both state and national medians, though the nearly one-to-one debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable if not impressive.

The 24% earnings growth to $42,543 by year four is a redeeming factor, suggesting geoscience careers build momentum over time. However, even after this growth, earnings remain below the national 75th percentile. For students committed to staying in Tennessee and working in geoscience fields like environmental consulting or natural resource management, this program represents a reasonable if not exceptional choice—particularly compared to other in-state options.

The real question is whether your child should consider out-of-state programs where geoscience graduates typically earn more from day one. With MTSU's 68% admission rate and moderate selectivity, students who could gain admission here might also access stronger programs elsewhere. If Tennessee residency and lower tuition are priorities, this works. But families should run the numbers carefully, as the tuition savings might not offset the earnings gap compared to top-quartile programs nationally.