16 Geological/Geophysical Engineering Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, New Mexico
|
$6,747 | $8,147 | 52.2% | 78.1% |
| 2 |
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
|
$9,634 | $8,640 | 36.7% | |
| 3 |
University of Mississippi
University, Mississippi
|
$13,164 | $9,412 | 68.5% | 97.4% |
| 4 |
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
|
$13,172 | $9,315 | 63.9% | 89.1% |
| 5 |
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
|
$13,773 | $14,278 | 63.6% | 81.5% |
| 6 |
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
|
$14,013 | $13,747 | 92.7% | 8.6% |
| 7 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
|
$14,832 | $17,228 | 93.2% | 17.7% |
| 8 |
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, Nevada
|
$15,402 | $8,994 | 62.4% | 85.6% |
| 9 |
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, Michigan
|
$15,729 | $18,392 | 68.7% | 93.7% |
| 10 |
Montana Technological University
Butte, Montana
|
$16,240 | $8,050 | 58.1% | 89.5% |
| 11 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
|
$16,928 | $11,205 | 89.3% | 49.1% |
| 12 |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
$17,139 | $16,488 | 84.8% | 74.9% |
| 13 |
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, Oklahoma
|
$17,413 | $9,595 | 75.3% | 72.9% |
| 14 |
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
|
$18,998 | $10,951 | 63.3% | 83.3% |
| 15 |
Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, New Jersey
|
$19,407 | $16,586 | 67.6% | 73.9% |
| 16 |
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, Texas
|
$19,678 | $11,678 | 87.6% | 31.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes New Mexico State University's program so much cheaper than other geological engineering options?
New Mexico State offers geological engineering at just $6,747 net cost, nearly $7,000 less than the next cheapest option at University of Alaska Fairbanks. The program maintains a 52% graduation rate while keeping costs low through state funding and lower regional living expenses. This represents strong value considering graduates enter the same job market as peers from more expensive programs.
How do graduation rates compare between the most affordable and expensive programs?
UCLA and Michigan lead with graduation rates above 92%, but charge $14,013 and $14,832 respectively. Meanwhile, affordable leaders like New Mexico State (52% graduation rate) and Alaska Fairbanks (37% graduation rate) show significantly lower completion numbers. The data suggests a correlation between program cost and student success rates, though Missouri S&T breaks this pattern with 64% graduation at $13,773 net cost.
Is there a significant difference in post-graduation earnings between cheaper and expensive programs?
Michigan Tech graduates earn $60,161 annually despite the program costing $15,729, while Missouri S&T graduates earn $47,260 at a similar $13,773 cost. Wisconsin graduates command $60,004 starting salaries, justifying the $16,928 investment. These earnings gaps of over $12,000 can significantly impact long-term return on investment calculations.
Where can students find the best value combination of low cost and strong outcomes?
University of Nevada-Reno offers strong value at $15,402 net cost with graduates earning $55,964 annually and maintaining 62% graduation rates. Missouri S&T provides another solid option at $13,773 with reasonable debt levels of $19,249. Both programs balance affordability with career outcomes better than ultra-cheap options that show concerning graduation rates below 40%.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.