Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Wright State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's Degree
wright.eduAnalysis
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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,188 | $39,321 | $42,990 | $25,500 | 0.65 | |
| $12,859 | $41,156 | $41,241 | $26,000 | 0.63 | |
| $12,846 | $40,005 | $43,344 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $12,799 | $39,678 | $59,008 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| $6,178 | $38,637 | — | $19,500 | 0.50 | |
| $6,178 | $38,637 | — | $19,500 | 0.50 | |
| National Median | — | $39,678 | — | $24,757 | 0.62 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with geological and earth sciences/geosciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Hydrologists
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Hydrologic Technicians
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.