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

Texas geoscience programs show considerable variation in early outcomes, and UT Dallas sits right in the middle of that range. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $43,687—essentially matching the state median but trailing schools like University of Houston-Downtown by $7,000 or more. The $25,500 in debt is slightly above both the state and national medians for this field, though the 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable by most standards.

What's worth noting is that geoscience careers often require additional credentials or experience before hitting their stride, which could explain why even the top-performing programs in Texas show relatively modest first-year numbers. Similar bachelor's programs in the state suggest starting salaries that cluster tightly between $42,000 and $51,000, indicating that employer demand and local industry connections may matter as much as the specific institution. The debt level here won't create immediate financial strain, but it's not negligible either—roughly half a year's starting salary.

For parents, the practical question is whether your child plans to pursue graduate work or enter the workforce directly. If graduate school is likely, minimizing undergraduate debt becomes more important. If they're heading straight into the job market, UT Dallas appears positioned to deliver outcomes consistent with peer programs in Texas, though not at the top of the pack.