Geology Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of the Earth's physical structure, substances, processes, and history.
Starting Salary
$50K
median
Mid-Career
$82K
salary
ROI Payback
5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
4%
rate
Geology Overview
Study of the Earth's physical structure, substances, processes, and history.
Category
STEM
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
63%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Limited
Underemployment
22%
Lifetime Premium
$520K
Female Graduates
38%
Geology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$17,100
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$17,100
after scholarships
ROI Payback
1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$502,900
Lifetime earnings premium ($520,000) minus net degree cost ($17,100)
Geology Salary Progression
Common Geology Careers
Geologist
Geophysicist
Environmental Consultant
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Geology
#1
Colorado School of Mines
#2
Stanford
#3
MIT
#4
Penn State
#5
University of Texas
Related Majors
Geology Degree FAQ
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