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Cheapest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses dominate the most affordable geoscience education in the state, with five campuses offering net prices below $7,000 annually. The Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville leads at just $4,503 per year, while graduation rates at these satellite locations range from 12.1% to 20%. This creates an unusual changing where the lowest-cost options come with significant completion challenges. Meanwhile, flagship universities like Ohio State charge $18,292 but deliver an 87.7% graduation rate. The earnings potential for Ohio geoscience graduates spans $35,060 to $41,565, reflecting opportunities in the state's varied geology. Ohio's location along the Appalachian Basin makes it particularly relevant for energy geology studies, with natural gas and coal extraction operations throughout southeastern regions. Manufacturing giants like Honda also create demand for materials science expertise, connecting geological knowledge to industrial applications across the state.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
8 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
9 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
10 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
11 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
12 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
13 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
14 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
15 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
16 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
17 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
18 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
19 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
20 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
21 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
22 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
23 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
24 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
25 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
26 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
27 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
28 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
29 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive graduation rate differences among Ohio's cheapest geoscience programs?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, significantly lower than main campuses. These satellite locations primarily serve local students who often attend part-time while working. The Eastern Campus graduates only 20% of students despite charging just $4,503 annually. In contrast, Ohio State's main campus achieves an 87.7% graduation rate but costs $18,292 per year.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive geoscience programs in Ohio?

Wright State graduates earn $35,060 annually while paying a net price of $15,216, representing a modest return on investment. University of Akron graduates command the highest salaries at $41,565 with a net cost of $14,981. Ohio State graduates earn $36,131 despite the program's higher $18,292 price tag. The earnings range of roughly $6,500 suggests program choice impacts long-term financial outcomes significantly.

Is debt load consistent across Ohio's affordable geoscience programs?

Student debt varies considerably, from $18,500 at Ohio University campuses to $26,000 at Wright State. The Ohio University system maintains uniform debt levels across all five regional campuses despite different net prices. Ohio State graduates carry $25,000 in debt, positioning them in the middle range. Kent State also reports $25,000 average debt with a net price of $19,614.

Does attending a regional campus versus main campus affect geoscience career prospects in Ohio?

Regional campuses typically offer foundational courses before students transfer to complete specialized geoscience degrees elsewhere. Ohio University's satellite locations serve as stepping stones rather than full degree-granting programs in many cases. Main campuses like Ohio State and University of Toledo provide complete geoscience programs with research opportunities. The 52.9% graduation rate at Youngstown State suggests regional universities can successfully graduate geoscience students with proper support systems.

Where do Ohio's geology job opportunities align with these affordable programs geographically?

Eastern Ohio's energy sector creates natural alignment between regional campuses and local employment needs. The Appalachian Basin's oil and gas operations provide entry-level positions for graduates from campuses like Ohio University-Eastern. Cleveland State's location connects students to Great Lakes environmental consulting opportunities. Toledo's proximity to Michigan's automotive industry also creates materials science positions requiring geological expertise.

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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.