Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Southern Mississippi

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 suggests manageable borrowing for a field that typically leads to steady employment in environmental consulting, energy, or public sector work. Based on comparable geosciences programs nationally, this degree path would require borrowing about $25,000 for first-year earnings near $40,000—numbers that align with what most bachelor's programs in this field produce across the country.

Mississippi State's reported outcomes ($42,298) provide the only actual benchmark in the state, running about 7% higher than what peer programs nationally suggest for Southern Miss. That gap matters but isn't dramatic, particularly since geoscience careers often start modestly but grow considerably as professionals gain field experience and technical certifications. The field's strength lies in consistent demand across industries from petroleum to water resources, making the initial earnings less concerning than they might appear in isolation.

For a family borrowing the estimated amount, monthly payments would run roughly $275 over ten years—feasible on a $40,000 salary if the graduate avoids further consumer debt. The University's 99% admission rate and high Pell enrollment (47%) mean many students here are making education accessible rather than chasing prestige, which makes the modest but manageable debt picture more important than slight earnings differences with flagships.