Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at San Diego State University

San Diego State's geosciences program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and among California programs—with first-year earnings of $41,351 placing it at the 60th percentile in both contexts. That's slightly above the national median of $39,678, but the program trails the top California state schools by $7,000-8,000. The debt load of $21,500 is actually higher than the California median of $17,896, though still manageable at a 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The practical implication: your child will graduate with reasonable debt and typical geosciences earnings, but shouldn't expect the premium that comes with Cal Poly SLO or Pomona. For a student committed to earth sciences who wants the San Diego experience and doesn't gain admission to the top-tier UC or Cal Poly programs, this works. The 31% Pell Grant population suggests SDSU serves many students for whom affordability matters more than maximizing starting salary.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reasonably reliable, though geosciences can be a field where career trajectory depends heavily on whether graduates pursue additional credentials or enter specialized industry sectors. This is a solid middle-tier option—not a standout value, but not a concerning investment either.