Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at University of West Florida

Similar geosciences programs across Florida suggest first-year earnings around $40,691 against approximately $24,757 in debt—a ratio that keeps monthly loan payments manageable at roughly 6% of gross income. The University of West Florida's program appears positioned right at the state median, though the strongest FL program at the University of South Florida shows graduates earning nearly $8,000 more in their first year, indicating meaningful variation in outcomes within the state.

The debt load here is reasonable for a science degree, but the earnings reflect a field where entry-level positions often don't match the technical training required. Geosciences graduates frequently need to relocate for jobs or enter adjacent fields initially, and Pensacola's regional economy may not offer the same industry connections as Tampa or Gainesville. Based on peer programs, this credential should eventually pay for itself, but families should understand that comparable programs show fairly modest starting salaries—close to the national median of $39,678.

If your student is committed to geosciences specifically, this debt-to-earnings picture won't create financial hardship. However, the limited data available for UWF's program (requiring estimation from peer schools) means you're making this decision with less certainty about outcomes than you'd have with larger programs that report actual graduate data.