Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Arkansas

The $31,087 first-year salary from University of Arkansas's geosciences program trails the national median by more than $8,500—landing in just the 11th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap for a field where graduates typically need strong technical skills and often pursue careers in energy, environmental consulting, or research. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates carry nearly a full year's salary in loans, though at $27,000, the debt burden remains manageable compared to many programs.

Here's the puzzle: while this program underperforms dramatically against national geosciences programs, it actually ranks at the 60th percentile within Arkansas. That tells us more about the state's limited options (only four schools offer this degree) than about this program's strength. The low national standing suggests graduates may need to be mobile and willing to relocate to energy-rich states like Texas or Colorado where geoscience careers typically pay better. The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—adds another layer of uncertainty to these figures.

For Arkansas residents paying in-state tuition, the modest debt load provides a safety net, but families should understand their student will likely need to leave the state to reach typical geoscience salaries. If your child is committed to staying in Arkansas or isn't certain about the field, explore programs with stronger regional job markets.