Best Value Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Colorado

Colorado's geological sciences programs reveal a stark cost divide, with Adams State University charging just $14,173 compared to Colorado College's $31,678 net price. The earnings gap proves equally dramatic, ranging from $21,508 to $45,618 annually after graduation. Colorado State University-Fort Collins delivers the strongest return on investment, combining reasonable costs with the highest graduate earnings of $45,618. This performance aligns with Colorado's growing aerospace and energy sectors, where companies like Ball Aerospace actively recruit earth sciences graduates for satellite technology and geological analysis roles.

Programs

$14,173 – $31,678

Net Price Range

$35,549

Avg. Program Earnings

52.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332	$45,618	$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
2	Fort Lewis College Durango, Colorado	$17,339	$35,060	$9,670	43.1%	91.0%
3	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado	$21,480	$41,565	$16,430	75.0%	80.7%
4	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$33,993	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
5	Colorado College Colorado Springs, Colorado	$31,678	$21,508	$67,932	86.0%	16.3%
6	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173		$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
7	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331		$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
8	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294		$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
9	Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado	$16,773		$11,083	50.7%	91.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Colorado geological sciences programs?

Graduate earnings span from $21,508 at Colorado College to $45,618 at Colorado State University-Fort Collins, a difference of over $24,000 annually. This variation often reflects program focus, with CSU Fort Collins emphasizing applied geology and industry connections. Research universities typically produce graduates better positioned for higher-paying roles in energy, aerospace, and environmental consulting.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Colorado?

The most expensive program, Colorado College at $31,678, achieves an 86% graduation rate despite producing the lowest-earning graduates. Public institutions show more variation, with Fort Lewis College graduating 43.1% of students at $17,339 net cost. Adams State University presents the biggest risk at only 31.6% graduation rate, though it offers the lowest net price at $14,173.

Does geographic location affect geological sciences career prospects in Colorado?

Boulder and Fort Collins benefit from proximity to federal research facilities and aerospace companies, contributing to stronger graduate outcomes. Western and southwestern Colorado programs like Fort Lewis College offer field study advantages in mineral-rich regions. Denver area schools provide access to environmental consulting firms and energy companies headquartered along the Front Range corridor.

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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.