Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Towson University

Based on comparable geosciences programs nationwide, Towson's bachelor's graduates can expect to start around $39,678—a figure that lags behind many science fields and raises questions about return on investment. With an estimated $24,757 in debt (a 0.62 ratio to first-year earnings), you're looking at a manageable but not insignificant burden for a salary that barely clears $40,000. That debt level would take strategic budgeting to pay down while covering living expenses in the Baltimore area, where cost of living isn't cheap.

The bigger concern is the trajectory. Geosciences careers often require graduate degrees for substantial advancement, meaning this bachelor's might function more as a stepping stone than a terminal credential. If your child plans to continue their education, factor in additional debt. If they're aiming to work immediately after graduation—perhaps in environmental consulting or government roles—that sub-$40K starting point becomes the reality to plan around.

Given these estimates reflect peer programs rather than Towson's specific outcomes, consider whether your child has genuine passion for earth sciences or is simply drawn to STEM broadly. If it's the latter, other science majors might offer better starting salaries. If geology is the goal, this debt load won't trap them, but they should enter with eyes open about the field's typically modest early earnings.