Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Oregon

The estimated $39,450 first-year earnings from comparable Oregon geoscience programs align almost exactly with the national median for this field, suggesting standard early-career outcomes for the major—but the debt picture tells an unusual story. At $29,145, University of Oregon geoscience students carry about $9,600 more debt than the Oregon median for this field and nearly $4,400 more than the national benchmark. This places the program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of similar programs nationally graduate students with less debt. The 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, but families should understand they're taking on substantially more debt than peers at other Oregon programs would typically carry for similar career outcomes.

What makes this particularly noteworthy is that three Oregon programs (including Oregon State and Portland State) report virtually identical earnings while typically producing lower debt loads. The premium you're paying at University of Oregon—whether through higher tuition, fewer scholarships, or different aid packaging—doesn't translate to higher starting salaries based on what comparable programs suggest. Geoscience is a field where outcomes depend heavily on specialization and whether graduates pursue graduate school, the extractive industries, or environmental consulting, so these figures represent a snapshot of varied paths.

The practical question: Can your family absorb an extra $9,000-10,000 in debt for a program where the earnings outlook matches state averages? If the answer involves significant private loans or parent PLUS debt, programs with reported lower costs deserve serious consideration.