Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at New Mexico Highlands University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62—roughly two-thirds of first-year income—lands solidly in manageable territory for bachelor's degree programs. Based on national benchmarks for geosciences degrees, graduates from comparable programs typically earn around $40,000 in their first year, which should make a $25,000 debt load serviceable rather than crushing. New Mexico Highlands serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (46%), meaning this program likely provides access to STEM careers for students who might not have other pathways into the field.

The challenge is that geosciences careers often require graduate work for advancement, and these estimated first-year earnings don't tell you whether this particular program successfully places students in industry positions (oil and gas, environmental consulting) versus lower-paying government or support roles. The field's trajectory matters enormously—some geosciences graduates see strong salary growth within a few years, while others plateau unless they pursue additional credentials.

Given the lack of reported outcomes, you'll need to dig into placement specifics: where do graduates actually land jobs, and what percentage continue to graduate school? For a regional university in New Mexico, proximity to extractive industries and federal land management could work in graduates' favor, but you want evidence that NMHU's connections translate into actual opportunities before committing.