Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Nevada-Reno

With earnings of $39,553 one year out, UNR's geosciences program tracks just below both national and state benchmarks—and notably trails Nevada's only other option, UNLV, by about $2,400. For geology majors hoping to land in Nevada's mining or environmental consulting sectors, that gap is worth noting, though the $23,250 debt load is slightly better than the national median and keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio at a reasonable 0.59.

The real caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could swing significantly in either direction with the next cohort. Geosciences careers often start modestly but can accelerate as graduates move into specialized roles or resource extraction hotspots, so first-year earnings don't tell the whole story. Still, starting nearly $2,000 below the state median when Nevada has only two programs total suggests this particular degree might not be maximizing its location advantage.

If your student is committed to geosciences and prefers UNR's campus culture or research opportunities, the debt level won't bury them. But given the numbers and Nevada's limited program options, it's worth a serious look at what UNLV offers—or whether out-of-state programs with stronger industry connections might justify the extra cost. The fundamentals here are acceptable, not compelling.