Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Youngstown State University

Borrowing under $20,000 for a geoscience degree positions Youngstown State competitively within Ohio, where similar programs at peer institutions suggest this debt load is manageable for the field. Comparable programs across the state produce first-year earnings around $38,600—slightly below the national median of nearly $40,000, but the lower debt burden here creates a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's more favorable than many science majors at public universities. The fact that this program has too few recent graduates to report individual data does raise questions about cohort size and networking opportunities, though small geology programs aren't unusual at regional universities.

What matters most is whether this estimated financial picture holds true for Youngstown State specifically. The state-level estimates suggest graduates enter careers that cover their debt within a year's salary, which is workable for most families. However, geoscience careers can vary dramatically—from fieldwork positions requiring just a bachelor's to roles that essentially demand graduate education for advancement. If your child plans to pursue graduate study, this lower debt foundation becomes a genuine advantage. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, verify that regional employers recruit from Youngstown State and that the program offers the hands-on experience (field camps, internships) that geoscience employers prioritize.