Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Western Colorado University$46,914
University of Northern Colorado$46,954$52,921$26,0000.55
University of Colorado Boulder$46,263$49,180$25,0000.54
Colorado State University-Fort Collins$41,158$54,347$26,0280.63
National Median$39,678$24,7570.62

Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs in Colorado

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Colorado schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley
$12,010$46,954$26,000
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder
$16,430$46,263$25,000
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins
$12,896$41,158$26,028

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 Western Colorado University, approximately 13% 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.