Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Rowan University

Based on comparable geosciences programs in New Jersey, Rowan's graduates appear to track near the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $47,000—nearly $8,000 above the national benchmark for this field. The estimated debt of about $25,000 creates a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. While these figures derive from peer programs rather than Rowan's specific outcomes (the graduate sample is too small for DOE reporting), they align with what Kean and Rutgers geosciences grads are actually earning.

The geosciences can be tricky—some graduates move into well-paying environmental consulting or energy sector roles, while others enter lower-paying government or non-profit positions. New Jersey's relatively strong showing compared to the national median suggests decent regional demand, but the modest earnings level means this isn't a quick financial payoff. Starting at $47,000 with $25,000 in debt is workable, but you'll want to understand which career paths your student is targeting and whether they align with the higher-earning trajectories.

Given the limited visibility into Rowan's specific outcomes, talk directly with the department about where recent graduates have landed and what internships they facilitate. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable investment, but you need concrete placement data to assess whether Rowan's particular program delivers on that promise.