Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Among Minnesota's geoscience programs, comparable schools suggest first-year earnings around $40,000—right at the state median but with an estimated debt load of $27,000 that runs $2,200 above the national typical. This puts graduates in a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly eight months of gross income to cover what they borrowed. For context, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities places its geoscience graduates higher at $44,825, while Winona State comes in lower at $36,984.

The concerning element here is that Minnesota State-Mankato draws from a largely open-admission pool (91% acceptance, modest test scores, and lower Pell enrollment than many state universities), yet the debt burden for this program appears slightly elevated compared to the national norm. Geoscience careers often require graduate degrees for advancement, which means this bachelor's could serve as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential—and that additional schooling means more borrowing ahead.

Given these are estimates drawn from just three similar Minnesota programs, the actual outcomes could vary. What matters is whether your child plans to work immediately after graduation or continue to a master's program. If they're heading straight into the workforce, $40,000 starting pay with $27,000 in debt is workable but not particularly strong. If graduate school is the plan, factor in that this debt is only the beginning of the borrowing story.