Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's geosciences program follows an unusual trajectory that defies the typical flagship university advantage: starting at $42,000, graduates see earnings jump 48% to $62,000 by year four—strong growth that suggests the degree's value compounds significantly with experience. However, first-year earnings lag behind in-state competitors like University of Houston-Downtown ($51,000) and Texas Tech ($50,000), placing UT Austin at just the 40th percentile among Texas geoscience programs despite the university's selective admissions and national reputation.

The silver lining is exceptionally manageable debt at $16,500—95th percentile nationally, meaning only 5% of geoscience programs nationwide have lower debt loads. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, essentially meaning graduates owe less than five months' salary. For a field where career advancement often requires patience and professional licensing or additional credentials, this low debt burden provides crucial breathing room during those early years.

The real question is whether your child is willing to accept lower initial earnings in exchange for stronger mid-career prospects and minimal debt. If they're considering graduate school or need immediate earning power, the higher-paying Texas options might make more sense. But if they value the UT Austin network and can afford to build expertise over time, the combination of exceptional debt levels and solid four-year earnings creates a financially viable path—just don't expect the immediate payoff that comes with some other Texas programs.