Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests this geosciences degree could be manageable financially, though both the $39,678 in first-year earnings and $24,757 in debt are estimates drawn from national medians across similar programs. Without program-specific data from UMass Amherst, we're working with what peer institutions typically produce. The estimated debt load is slightly higher than what Massachusetts geoscience programs report on average ($23,250), which could reflect UMass being a flagship public institution with competitive programs but also higher total costs for some students.

The first-year earnings estimate puts graduates at roughly $3,300 per month pre-tax, which translates to manageable monthly loan payments of around $275 under standard repayment plans. Geosciences careers often require graduate education for specialized roles in research or academia, so these bachelor's-level figures may represent entry points before further credentialing. The field itself spans everything from environmental consulting to energy sector work, with career trajectories that vary significantly based on specialization and additional training.

For families considering this program, the lack of program-specific data means you're betting on UMass matching or exceeding what comparable geoscience programs deliver nationally. Given the university's research profile and the relatively modest debt estimate, that's not an unreasonable gamble—but recognize you're making it without seeing this particular program's actual graduate outcomes.