Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's geoscience program shows troubling early earnings that place it in the bottom 5% nationally, though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers may not reflect typical outcomes. Starting at just over $30,000, graduates earn roughly $10,000 less than the national median for geoscience majors and trail even the Tennessee state median by about $2,000. While the program sits at the 40th percentile within Tennessee, that's only because the state itself underperforms nationally in this field. Even nearby Middle Tennessee State reports starting earnings $4,000 higher.

The 26% earnings growth to $38,000 by year four is respectable, but graduates are still playing catch-up rather than building wealth. The $26,000 in debt isn't excessive by national standards, yet it represents nearly a full year's starting salary—a heavier burden when earnings are this low. For context, geoscience majors nationally typically start near $40,000, making that same debt level far more manageable.

Given UT-Knoxville's solid academic reputation (SAT scores above 1300), these outcomes are disappointing. The small sample suggests many graduates may be pursuing graduate degrees or leaving Tennessee for better markets, which could explain both the low reported earnings and the data's unreliability. Parents should recognize this program carries higher financial risk than most STEM fields, and outcomes appear particularly weak compared to what geoscience students achieve elsewhere.