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Cheapest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Iowa

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

Public universities dominate affordable geosciences education in Iowa, with the University of Northern Iowa offering the lowest net cost at $14,609. Iowa State University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $34,704, reflecting strong demand from the state's agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Iowa's extensive corn and soybean production creates natural opportunities for soil scientists and environmental geologists. The $10,774 gap between the cheapest public option and most expensive private program shows how institutional type affects costs.
5
Programs
$14,609 – $25,383
Net Price Range
$33,543
Avg. Program Earnings
70.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
4 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
5 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the most affordable option for geosciences?

UNI charges just $14,609 in net costs with in-state tuition of only $9,728. The university maintains a 94.95% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants seeking affordable earth science education.

How do Iowa State graduates perform in the job market?

Iowa State geosciences graduates earn $34,704 on average, the highest among Iowa programs. The university's 75.50% graduation rate and strong ties to agricultural research create pathways into Iowa's major industries like John Deere and Principal Financial.

Is private education worth the extra cost for geosciences in Iowa?

Private options like Cornell College cost $25,079 annually, nearly $11,000 more than UNI. However, private programs may offer smaller class sizes and specialized research opportunities that some students value despite the higher investment.

More Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Rankings

Best Value Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in Iowa Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Under $20,000 in Iowa

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All Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs Best Colleges in Iowa Best Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in Iowa

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.