Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Stony Brook University

Similar geosciences programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $37,800, which falls right at the state median but trails the national benchmark by roughly $2,000. The estimated debt load of $23,800—based on comparable programs at public universities in New York—creates a manageable 0.63 ratio, meaning graduates would owe about eight months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point for a science degree, though it's worth noting that other SUNY campuses with reported data show a wide range, from Buffalo's nearly $40,000 to Geneseo's $27,000.

The challenge with geosciences is that entry-level positions often require fieldwork or technician roles that don't immediately reflect the degree's long-term value. Many graduates eventually move into environmental consulting, resource management, or graduate programs where earning potential increases substantially. The estimated figures here represent those early-stage positions, and for a program at a research university like Stony Brook—which has strong marine and atmospheric science resources on Long Island—the trajectory could be better than these peer-based numbers suggest.

If your child is serious about earth sciences and Stony Brook offers the research opportunities or specializations they want, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be prohibitive. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into this specific program's actual outcomes, and careers in this field often require patience through those initial lower-earning years.