Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's geoscience program lands graduates in an earnings range slightly below both state and national averages, though the gap narrows over time. Starting at $37,717, graduates earn about $2,000 less than the national median and trail East Carolina's geoscience program by more than $7,000 annually. Within North Carolina's 11 geoscience programs, this ranks squarely in the middle—better than Appalachian State but notably behind the stronger performers.

The financial picture itself isn't alarming: at $24,897 in debt, students take on roughly the typical amount for this field, resulting in a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 22% earnings growth to $46,097 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the field. However, even after four years, earnings remain modest compared to what geoscience graduates can achieve elsewhere in the state.

For a student certain about pursuing geoscience, this program offers reasonable access (80% admission rate, 34% Pell recipients) without crushing debt. But if higher earning potential matters—particularly early in a career when establishing financial footing counts most—families should look closely at what East Carolina or NC State offer, as those programs demonstrate that North Carolina geoscience graduates can earn considerably more. The value proposition here depends heavily on whether Charlotte's location or other factors offset starting $7,000+ behind peer programs in the same state.