Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of California-Merced

A bachelor's in geosciences from UC Merced sits at California's median for the field, with peer programs suggesting first-year earnings around $40,000 and debt near $18,000. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper—you'd owe less than half your first year's salary, which is considerably better than many degree paths. But context matters: UC Merced is part of a system where sister campuses like UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz are producing geoscience graduates earning $43,000+ in their first year. Cal Poly SLO and Cal Poly Pomona push closer to $49,000.

For a school serving 59% Pell-eligible students, that $3,000-9,000 earnings gap compared to top California programs is significant. Geosciences graduates typically find work in environmental consulting, energy, or government agencies where credentials and internship networks matter. UC Merced, the system's youngest campus, may still be building those industry connections. Similar programs across California suggest you're looking at livable but not robust starting earnings—enough to service the debt comfortably, but without much cushion for Bay Area or Southern California living costs where many environmental jobs cluster.

The takeaway: This program won't saddle your child with crushing debt, but they should actively pursue internships and consider whether UC Merced's developing industry network can match the placement power of more established California programs in this field.