College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
Back to Search
General

Oceanography

Share

Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Oceanography.

Entry Level Salary
$36,028
Median Salary
$99,593
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
31.9%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $3,983,720
Entry (Early)
$36,028
Median (Prime)
$99,593
High (Prime)
$110,064

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-132k
+404k
+488k
$25k / yr
-222k
+314k
+398k
$50k / yr
-312k
+224k
+308k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
29
28
$50k / yr
Never
34
32

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-204%
289%
366%
$50k / yr
-143%
103%
142%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate42.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Management occupations

6.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,226
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$138,966|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

Postsecondary teachers

5.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,724
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$54,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%

Elementary and middle school teachers

4.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$23,171
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,087|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

Physical scientists, all other

3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$38,233
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%

Biological scientists

2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$64,311|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%

Secondary school teachers

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,404
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$67,197|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%

Life, physical, and social science technicians

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$3,912
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$34,299|$59,510
openings
53,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%

Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$37,943
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$123,525|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Teaching assistants

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$34,757
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$27,806|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A

Physical scientists

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$64,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$99,593|$96,290
openings
19,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.7%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
marine sciences.Bachelor's Degree6$46,292 - $59,782
marine sciences.Master's Degree11Data N/A