Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,321
46th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,500
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.65
Manageable
Sample Size
22
Limited data

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

Wright State University-Main CampusOther geological and earth sciences/geosciences programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

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

Wright State University-Main Campus graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all geological and earth sciences/geosciences bachelors programs nationally.

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 Ohio

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Wright State University-Main Campus$39,321$42,990$25,5000.65
Ohio State University-Main Campus$41,156$41,241$26,0000.63
Kent State University at Kent$40,005$43,344$27,0000.67
University of Akron Main Campus$39,678$59,008$27,0000.68
Ohio University-Southern Campus$38,637—$19,5000.50
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus$38,637—$19,5000.50
National Median$39,678—$24,7570.62

Other Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus
$12,859$41,156$26,000
Kent State University at Kent
Kent
$12,846$40,005$27,000
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$39,678$27,000
Ohio University-Southern Campus
Ironton
$6,178$38,637$19,500
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster
$6,178$38,637$19,500

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.