Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,321
46th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$25,500
3% above national median

Analysis

Wright State's geosciences program produces first-year earnings of $39,321—close to the national median but notably ahead of most Ohio programs, ranking at the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful distinction in a state where some comparable programs start closer to $35,000. The $25,500 debt load sits slightly above Ohio's median but remains reasonable, with graduates earning enough to manage it relatively comfortably. Four years out, earnings climb to $42,990, putting graduates on par with some of the state's better-known programs.

The real limitation here is scale: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing significantly with even a small shift in who lands what job. That said, the fundamentals look solid—graduates aren't drowning in debt, and the 9% earnings growth suggests steady career progression. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 means most graduates should be able to handle their loans without derailing other financial goals.

For families weighing Wright State against Ohio State or Kent State, the gap in starting salary is relatively small (about $1,800), while Wright State's open admissions and lower competitive pressure might appeal to students who aren't thriving in high-stakes academic environments. Just recognize you're working with limited data, so talking to recent graduates directly would be wise.

Where Wright State University-Main Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Wright State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Wright State University-Main Campus$39,321$42,990+9%
University of Akron Main Campus$39,678$59,008+49%
Miami University-Oxford$38,478$47,801+24%
Kent State University at Kent$40,005$43,344+8%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,156$41,241+0%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (29 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton$11,188$39,321$42,990$25,5000.65
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$41,156$41,241$26,0000.63
Kent State University at KentKent$12,846$40,005$43,344$27,0000.67
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$39,678$59,008$27,0000.68
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton$6,178$38,637$19,5000.50
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster$6,178$38,637$19,5000.50
National Median$39,678$24,7570.62

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 Wright State University-Main Campus, approximately 33% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.