Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Iowa

A first-year salary around $40,000 sits well below what geosciences graduates typically earn at other Iowa programs—Iowa State's graduates, for instance, start at about $50,000. Based on comparable programs nationally, University of Iowa's estimated outcomes place this program at the median, but that's notably lower than what the state's competitive market suggests is achievable for geosciences majors in Iowa.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 isn't alarming on its face, but the disconnect between these estimated figures and actual Iowa outcomes raises questions about whether University of Iowa's program connects students to the higher-paying opportunities that clearly exist in the state. Geosciences degrees can lead to well-compensated careers in natural resources, environmental consulting, and energy—sectors where Iowa has active demand. The gap between the estimated $40,000 here and the $50,000 at Iowa State suggests something about either career services, alumni networks, or the types of roles graduates pursue.

Given that these are estimates based on peer programs nationwide rather than actual University of Iowa outcomes, you're working with limited visibility into how this specific program performs. If your child is committed to geosciences at Iowa, dig into where recent graduates actually land and whether the program has strong industry connections within the state. A 25% earnings gap compared to the state benchmark is worth understanding before committing.