5 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, South Carolina
|
$11,611 | $10,760 | 40.1% | 75.6% |
| 2 |
College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
|
$19,518 | $12,978 | 65.0% | 75.7% |
| 3 |
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
|
$22,112 | $15,554 | 87.9% | 43.0% |
| 4 |
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
|
$24,532 | $12,688 | 77.7% | 64.1% |
| 5 |
Furman University
Greenville, South Carolina
|
$29,997 | $58,312 | 81.5% | 67.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What accounts for the wide earnings gap between geological sciences graduates in South Carolina?
USC Columbia graduates earn $35,060 compared to College of Charleston's $31,848, reflecting the capital city's concentration of state environmental agencies and consulting firms. Charleston's coastal location offers more marine geology opportunities but typically at lower starting salaries than Columbia's government and industrial positions.
How do graduation rates compare across South Carolina's geological sciences programs?
Clemson leads with an 87.9% graduation rate despite moderate selectivity at 43% acceptance. USC Aiken shows the lowest completion rate at 40.1%, though this reflects the campus's open access mission and $11,611 affordability for working students.
Does the LIFE Scholarship significantly impact geological sciences program costs?
The $5,000 LIFE Scholarship reduces in-state costs at USC Columbia from $12,688 to under $8,000 for qualifying students. This makes the program more affordable than USC Aiken for high-achieving South Carolina residents with strong test scores and GPAs.
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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.