Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Portland State University

Portland State's geosciences program starts significantly behind the pack—recent graduates earn $37,831, placing it at just the 40th percentile among Oregon's five geology programs and 29th nationally. While that first-year figure trails both state and national medians by roughly $2,000, the program shows notable momentum: earnings jump 41% to $53,307 by year four, ultimately exceeding typical benchmarks. The $24,125 in student debt sits right at median levels, creating a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow graduates to service loans without crisis.

The challenge here is that early-career trajectory. Geosciences graduates typically need time to establish themselves in competitive fields like environmental consulting or natural resources, but starting $2,000 below your Oregon State counterparts means a slower financial launch. The strong growth to year four suggests Portland State students eventually find their footing, but parents should understand their graduate may face tighter budgets in those first couple years post-graduation.

One major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary substantially from these medians. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and a modest debt load, the program works as an affordable path into geosciences—just budget carefully for those leaner early years before earnings catch up.