Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at The University of Montana

A geosciences bachelor's from The University of Montana operates in uncertain territory. While comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $40,000 and debt near $25,000, Montana's own geosciences market tells a different story—the one program in the state with reported outcomes shows graduates earning just $29,000. That's a $10,000 gap that matters significantly when you're carrying debt that could take years to pay down.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 looks reasonable on paper if those national estimates hold true. But if Montana's actual market conditions apply—which seems likely for graduates staying in-state—you're looking at debt nearly equal to a full year's salary. Geosciences can lead to solid careers in environmental consulting, natural resources, or energy, but Montana's smaller job market and lower cost of living typically translate to lower starting salaries than national averages suggest.

The reality is we're working with estimates here because too few students completed this specific program to generate reportable data. For a field where geographic location heavily influences both job availability and pay, that makes planning difficult. If your child is committed to geosciences and wants to stay in Montana, the in-state data suggests modest financial returns. If they're open to relocating for work—particularly to energy or mining states—the investment makes more sense.