Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Other geosciences programs in Michigan show a troubling pattern: estimated first-year earnings of $38,675 barely outpace the $29,310 in estimated debt typical for Michigan bachelor's programs at similar institutions. That 0.76 debt ratio might look manageable on paper, but it's worth noting that Michigan's geosciences median trails the national figure by about $1,000, while state debt runs nearly $4,500 higher than the national median.

The comparison with U-M Ann Arbor is particularly stark—graduates there earn an estimated $45,974 in their first year, a $7,300 premium that could meaningfully change the debt payoff timeline. Even Michigan State's graduates typically start around $39,997. Similar programs across Michigan suggest a field where outcomes vary significantly by institution, and UM-Dearborn sits in the middle of that range alongside Grand Valley.

For parents evaluating this investment, the key question is whether geosciences represents a clear career path for your student. Peer programs in Michigan suggest modest starting salaries that don't provide much cushion above the debt load. If your child has admission options at Ann Arbor or Michigan State, those appear to offer stronger earning trajectories. Otherwise, UM-Dearborn's more accessible admission profile (59% acceptance rate) might provide entry into the field, but expect several years of careful budgeting after graduation.