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Best Value Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

California State University-Sacramento graduates in Geological and Earth Sciences earn $55,512 annually while paying just $10,512 in net costs, creating one of the strongest return ratios among affordable programs nationwide. The $50,810 difference between the highest and lowest earning programs in this field reveals significant variation in career outcomes across different regions and specializations. California dominates the best value rankings with five programs, reflecting the state's strong mining, environmental consulting, and oil industry presence that drives demand for earth science professionals. While most programs charge between $6,000-$12,000 annually, graduates can expect starting salaries ranging from $30,771 to $55,512 depending on their program's industry connections and regional job market strength. Programs like University of Florida-Online offer strong affordability at $4,702 net cost, while maintaining solid career outcomes in a field where federal agencies, environmental firms, and energy companies actively recruit graduates.
50
Programs
$4,702 – $16,928
Net Price Range
$38,728
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,480 $50,439 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
2 $4,702 $34,259 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
3 $5,646 $37,208 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $8,931 $50,856 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $6,351 $34,259 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
6 $10,512 $55,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
7 $7,168 $33,993 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
8 $9,144 $42,188 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
9 $10,011 $43,798 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
10 $7,131 $30,771 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
11 $12,168 $52,107 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
12 $8,896 $33,993 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
13 $11,580 $42,682 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
14 $10,043 $36,992 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
15 $12,599 $44,971 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
16 $9,133 $32,563 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
17 $13,181 $44,384 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
18 $12,437 $41,025 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
19 $11,779 $38,289 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
20 $10,916 $35,416 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
21 $16,928 $53,358 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
22 $12,909 $40,188 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
23 $15,960 $47,260 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
24 $11,504 $33,993 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
25 $13,853 $40,827 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
26 $15,402 $44,971 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
27 $9,962 $28,960 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
28 $11,234 $32,569 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
29 $14,838 $42,774 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
30 $12,997 $36,992 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
31 $15,235 $43,128 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
32 $14,715 $41,565 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
33 $14,981 $41,565 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
34 $16,531 $45,696 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
35 $9,121 $25,194 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
36 $10,299 $28,405 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
37 $10,726 $28,598 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
38 $13,485 $35,891 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
39 $12,932 $34,348 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
40 $13,091 $34,526 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
41 $14,207 $37,208 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
42 $16,334 $42,682 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
43 $11,147 $28,960 $9,172 42.5% 69.8%
44 $11,889 $30,771 $5,751 41.7% 87.8%
45 $16,025 $41,193 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
46 $12,840 $32,925 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
47 $15,288 $39,009 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
48 $13,339 $33,993 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
49 $15,137 $38,289 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
50 $13,780 $34,847 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,741 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying programs?

California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $55,512 compared to Brigham Young University-Idaho's $30,771, largely due to regional industry differences. California's active oil fields, mining operations, and environmental consulting firms pay higher starting salaries than rural Idaho markets. Sacramento's proximity to state environmental agencies and private consulting firms also creates more high-paying entry-level positions. The 80% difference in earnings often correlates with local cost of living and industry concentration.

How do California programs compare in cost versus career outcomes?

Five California State Universities appear in the rankings with net costs ranging from $5,646 at Fullerton to $11,580 at Pomona. Long Beach offers the strongest earnings at $50,856 despite moderate $8,931 costs, while Fresno provides solid $50,439 outcomes for just $6,480. These programs benefit from California's varied geology job market spanning seismic research, petroleum exploration, and environmental remediation. All maintain acceptance rates above 39%, making them accessible options for career-focused students.

Is University of Florida-Online worth considering despite lower earnings?

The online program costs just $4,702 annually while producing $34,259 in graduate earnings, creating a reasonable 7.3-to-1 return ratio. Its 77.7% graduation rate exceeds many traditional programs, and the $19,737 debt load remains manageable compared to other specialties. Florida's growing environmental consulting sector and proximity to NASA operations provide internship and job opportunities. The online format allows students to complete fieldwork requirements through regional partnerships while maintaining affordability.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in earth sciences?

University of Florida's traditional program achieves 91.5% graduation rates at $6,351 net cost, while expensive programs like Middle Tennessee State show just 54% completion despite $12,599 costs. California State University-Sacramento combines strong 55.8% graduation with top earnings potential. The data suggests program support systems and student preparation matter more than spending levels. Schools with established geology departments and industry partnerships typically show better completion rates regardless of price point.

Where do geology graduates find the best job markets relative to education costs?

California and Texas show strong job markets with multiple programs appearing in value rankings, reflecting active oil, mining, and environmental sectors. California State University-Sacramento's $55,512 graduate earnings demonstrate the state's premium pay scales, while University of Texas Permian Basin graduates earn $42,188 in oil-rich West Texas. Florida programs serve growing environmental consulting and space industry needs despite lower starting salaries. Nevada and Utah markets support mining and federal research positions with competitive entry-level compensation.

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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.