Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of Vermont

Is $39,678 in first-year earnings worth $24,757 in debt? For geoscience programs nationally, these estimated figures represent the median outcome, suggesting University of Vermont's program likely tracks with typical results in this field rather than standing out as either exceptional or particularly risky. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio lands in manageable territory—graduates would dedicate roughly 62% of their first-year salary to debt if they paid it off immediately, which translates to sustainable monthly payments under standard repayment plans.

The challenge lies in geoscience's field-specific reality: many career paths require graduate work for meaningful advancement. If your student plans to continue their education, that initial $39,678 salary becomes a stepping stone rather than a career outcome, and the debt calculation changes accordingly. Similar programs nationwide produce graduates earning between roughly $35,000 and $44,000 in their first year, so there's limited upside in the immediate term regardless of which program your student chooses.

Given that these figures come from peer programs rather than Vermont's specific outcomes, the key question becomes whether Vermont's academic strengths—a selective admission profile with an average SAT of 1357 and access to New England field research opportunities—justify the cost when comparable programs produce similar estimated results. The debt load is moderate rather than alarming, but families should consider whether graduate school is likely on the horizon and factor that into the total education investment.