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Best Value Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's branch campuses offer Geological and Earth Sciences programs with remarkably low net costs, starting at just $5,328 at the Southern Campus. This sharp contrast with private options like Oberlin College at $39,184 net cost highlights Ohio's varied educational market for earth sciences students. The University of Akron graduates earn the highest median salary at $41,565, while maintaining a reasonable net cost of $14,981. Ohio's geological diversity, from the Appalachian foothills to Lake Erie's shoreline, creates natural laboratories for students studying everything from sedimentary formations to glacial geology. The state's manufacturing base, including steel production and energy sectors, provides career paths for geosciences graduates in environmental consulting, resource exploration, and geological engineering. Ohio State University combines strong academics with a 87.7% graduation rate, though students pay $18,292 net cost. Regional employers like American Electric Power and FirstEnergy rely on geological expertise for site assessment and environmental compliance.
29
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$34,684
Avg. Program Earnings
56.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,981 $41,565 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
2 $15,216 $35,060 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
3 $18,292 $36,131 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
4 $20,413 $38,289 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
5 $19,614 $35,416 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
6 $27,662 $31,133 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
7 $25,766 $25,194 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
10 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
11 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
12 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
13 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
14 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
15 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
16 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
17 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
18 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
19 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
20 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
21 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
22 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
23 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
24 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
25 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
26 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
27 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
28 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
29 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the huge cost difference between Ohio's public and private geology programs?

Ohio University's branch campuses charge net costs as low as $5,328, while private institutions like Oberlin College reach $39,184. The state's public universities receive taxpayer funding that significantly reduces tuition for residents. Private schools often provide more financial aid, but their higher sticker prices create larger net costs even after assistance.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio's geology programs?

Ohio State University leads with an 87.7% graduation rate, followed by Miami University-Oxford at 81.8%. However, several Ohio University branch campuses show concerning graduation rates below 20%. The main campus programs generally perform better, with Ohio University-Athens achieving 66.4% and Kent State reaching 65.5%.

Does higher program cost correlate with better earnings for geology graduates in Ohio?

The University of Akron produces the highest-earning graduates at $41,565 median salary despite a moderate $14,981 net cost. Surprisingly, expensive private schools like The College of Wooster show lower earnings at $25,194. Ohio University-Athens balances solid earnings of $38,289 with reasonable costs and lower debt loads.

Where do Ohio geology graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Ohio's varied geology creates opportunities in environmental consulting, energy companies, and manufacturing. American Electric Power and FirstEnergy hire geologists for site assessment and environmental compliance. The state's limestone quarries, coal regions, and Lake Erie shoreline provide fieldwork opportunities. Many graduates also work for consulting firms serving Ohio's industrial base.

What makes Ohio University's branch campuses such affordable options for geology studies?

Ohio University's regional campuses offer geology coursework at dramatically reduced costs, with net prices ranging from $5,328 to $6,483. These campuses serve as feeders to the main Athens campus, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably. However, graduation rates at these branches remain concerning, with most below 20% completion.

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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.