Cheapest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Massachusetts

Williams College charges students just $14,852 after aid for geological sciences despite its $64,860 sticker price, making it the most affordable option among 16 Massachusetts programs. This creates an unusual situation where elite private schools often cost less than public universities after financial aid calculations. Harvard follows closely at $16,816 net cost, while public options like Fitchburg State and Framingham State hover around $15,000-$17,000. Massachusetts geological sciences graduates enter a regional economy where biotechnology companies, environmental consulting firms, and the state's expanding renewable energy sector create steady demand for earth science expertise. The Boston area alone hosts over 1,000 biotech companies that frequently need geological expertise for site assessment and environmental compliance.

Programs

$14,852 – $39,866

Net Price Range

$23,905

Avg. Program Earnings

81.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts	$14,852	$64,860	96.6%	8.5%
2	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
3	Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts	$16,698	$11,630	49.5%	87.4%
4	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
5	Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, Massachusetts	$17,970	$11,389	54.6%	87.7%
6	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$18,246	$67,280	93.4%	7.3%
7	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
8	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts	$19,813	$60,156	96.1%	4.0%
9	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
10	Wellesley College Wellesley, Massachusetts	$25,008	$64,320	91.2%	13.6%
11	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181	$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
12	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
13	Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts	$29,562	$64,142	85.0%	39.8%
14	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
15	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
16	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$39,866	$67,680	91.0%	16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap reflects Massachusetts' mix of highly selective private colleges with generous aid and less well-funded public universities. Williams College and Harvard offer extensive need-based aid that reduces costs to under $17,000 for many students. Meanwhile, schools like Tufts University reach $35,435 after aid. Public universities like Fitchburg State maintain lower costs through state funding rather than large endowments.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Massachusetts geological sciences?

The most expensive programs show dramatically higher completion rates, with schools like Harvard and Williams achieving 96-97% graduation rates. Mid-range schools like UMass-Amherst graduate 83% of students at $23,691 net cost. Public universities with the lowest costs often struggle with completion, as Fitchburg State graduates just 53% of students despite charging only $15,432 after aid.

Do Massachusetts geological sciences graduates earn enough to justify program costs?

Early career earnings vary significantly, ranging from $11,851 to $30,119 across reporting schools. Bridgewater State graduates earn $30,119 annually while paying just $17,970 for their education, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. However, Smith College graduates start at $11,851 despite paying $26,181, suggesting program focus or regional job market factors influence outcomes beyond school costs.

Where do Massachusetts geological sciences programs offer the best value proposition?

Williams College provides strong value with its $14,852 net cost and 97% graduation rate, though admission remains highly competitive at 8.5% acceptance. Public universities like Bridgewater State offer strong value at $17,970 with graduates earning $30,119 annually. Salem State presents a middle option at $18,441 with graduates earning $28,598 and accepting 93% of applicants.

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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.