Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Houston

Four years out, geoscience graduates from University of Houston earn a solid $61,840—well above both the $39,678 national median and the $43,686 Texas median for this major. That kind of mid-career trajectory matters in a field where entry-level positions in environmental consulting or resource extraction often lead to better opportunities with experience. The estimated first-year earnings of around $43,687, based on six similar Texas programs, place this degree roughly at the state's 75th percentile nationally, suggesting graduates find decent footing early even if the initial jump isn't dramatic.

The $25,000 in median debt is manageable given the earnings picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, most graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a few years while building toward that higher mid-career income. This is particularly relevant at UH, where 41% of students receive Pell grants—many families here are making affordability a priority, and this program delivers value without excessive borrowing. The debt sits near the national median for geoscience degrees, meaning it's typical for this field rather than inflated.

The practical takeaway: UH's geoscience program appears to deliver solid mid-career returns at a reasonable cost. The four-year earnings figure is actual data from this school and compares favorably to peer institutions like Texas A&M and UT Arlington. If your child is genuinely interested in geology or environmental science, this represents a reasonable investment with clear upward momentum after graduation.