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Cheapest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Western Illinois University delivers the state's most affordable geological sciences education at just $11,592 net cost, while Northwestern University commands $27,143 for the same degree type. This $15,551 gap reflects Illinois' split between accessible public options and elite private institutions. The state's varied geology, from Mississippi River sediments to glacial deposits across the prairie, creates research opportunities that connect directly to Illinois' agricultural economy and Chicago's environmental consulting sector. Graduation rates span from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois to 95.9% at Northwestern, showing how institutional resources affect student outcomes in earth science programs.
14
Programs
$11,592 – $27,143
Net Price Range
$37,927
Avg. Program Earnings
63.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
2 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
3 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
7 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
8 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
9 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
10 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
11 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
12 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
13 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
14 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge variation in graduation rates among Illinois geological sciences programs?

Graduation rates range from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 95.9% at Northwestern University, largely reflecting student preparation levels and institutional support systems. Schools like University of Chicago (94.9%) and Northwestern serve highly prepared students with extensive academic resources, while open-access institutions face greater challenges with student retention.

How do private college costs compare to public options for earth sciences in Illinois?

Private institutions like Augustana College charge $49,834 in tuition but offer significant financial aid, bringing net costs to $12,437. Public schools like Northern Illinois University cost just $12,700 for in-state students with a net price of $12,909, making the actual affordability gap much smaller than sticker prices suggest.

Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for geological sciences?

UIUC costs $15,201 net but produces graduates earning $32,569, the lowest among schools reporting salary data. However, its 84.9% graduation rate and 44.82% acceptance rate indicate strong academic rigor that may lead to better long-term career prospects despite initial salary figures.

Where can geological sciences students find the best value in Illinois?

Augustana College offers strong value with a $12,437 net cost, 79.2% graduation rate, and $41,025 graduate earnings. Northern Illinois University provides another strong option at $12,909 net cost with graduates earning $40,188, combining affordability with solid career outcomes.

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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.