Location: Blacksburg, VA•In-State Tuition: $15,478•Out-of-State Tuition: $36,694•Admission Rate: 57%•Avg SAT: 1337
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$39,678
Est. from national median (103 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,757
Est. from national median (103 programs)

Analysis

Virginia Tech's geosciences program appears to underperform compared to what's typical in Virginia, though the figures require careful interpretation. Similar Bachelor's programs in Virginia typically produce first-year earnings around $48,000, while peer programs nationally suggest $39,678 for this degree—a significant gap. At an estimated $24,757 in debt, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, which is manageable on paper, but the earnings estimate is concerning given the state context.

The challenge here is that we're comparing estimated figures to actual Virginia outcomes. James Madison's geosciences graduates, for instance, earn that $48,000 median—nearly $9,000 more than what comparable programs nationally would suggest for Virginia Tech. This could reflect different program emphases (petroleum geology versus environmental science, for example) or career paths, but it's worth investigating why Virginia Tech's outcomes might differ from the state pattern. The university's strong STEM reputation and 1337 average SAT score suggest capable students, which makes the earnings estimate more puzzling.

Given the data limitations, the prudent approach is to contact Virginia Tech directly about typical career outcomes and employer connections. If the actual figures align more with other Virginia programs, this becomes a solid choice. If they track closer to the national median, you're looking at a slower financial start than peer programs in-state might provide, even with reasonable debt levels.

Where Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all geological and earth sciences/geosciences bachelors's programs nationally

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (estimated ±10%)Other geological and earth sciences/geosciences programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$39,678*—$24,757*—
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$13,576$48,118*$55,946$22,375*0.47
National Median—$39,678*—$24,757*0.62
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with geological and earth sciences/geosciences graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

$99,240/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Hydrologists

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.

$92,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians

Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.

$50,510/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Hydrologic Technicians

Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.

$50,510/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 103 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.