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Cheapest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Colleges in Texas

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

Rice University stands alone among Texas geological sciences programs, charging $58,128 in tuition while maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate that dwarfs the state average. This private institution costs nearly six times more than The University of Texas Permian Basin's $9,144 net price, creating the widest affordability gap in the state. Most public options cluster between $10,000-$15,000 annually, making geological education accessible across Texas's energy-rich market. The state's position as America's top oil producer and home to major energy companies like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips creates strong demand for earth science graduates. Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers the lowest in-state tuition at $9,892, while graduates from UT Arlington command the highest early career salaries at $43,128. With acceptance rates exceeding 90% at most institutions, students face minimal barriers to entry in programs that prepare them for careers in Texas's $200 billion energy sector.
28
Programs
$9,144 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$39,664
Avg. Program Earnings
55.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
2 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
3 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
4 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
5 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
6 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
7 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
8 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
9 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
10 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
11 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
12 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
13 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
14 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
15 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
16 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
17 $17,435 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
18 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
19 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
20 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
21 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
22 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
23 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
24 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
25 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
26 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
27 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
28 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University worth $58,128 compared to public alternatives under $15,000?

Rice achieves a 95.70% graduation rate while accepting just 8.68% of applicants, creating an elite academic environment unmatched by public institutions. The university's small class sizes and research opportunities justify the premium for students seeking top-tier preparation. Most Texas public programs graduate 40-50% of students, making Rice's success rate more than double the state norm. Students must weigh this academic advantage against potential debt when public options like UT Permian Basin cost $48,984 less over four years.

How do graduation rates vary across Texas geological sciences programs?

Graduation rates span from Sul Ross State's 27.40% to Rice University's 95.70%, reflecting vast differences in student support and academic rigor. Public universities typically graduate 30-50% of geological sciences students, with UT San Antonio achieving 51.20% despite serving a large student body. Stephen F Austin State University matches this rate at 51.70% while maintaining affordable $15,152 net costs. These completion rates directly impact career prospects in Texas's competitive energy job market.

Where do Texas geological sciences graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

UT Arlington graduates command $43,128 in early career earnings, followed closely by UT Permian Basin alumni at $42,188 despite the program's lower costs. University of Houston graduates earn $40,827 annually while carrying $24,875 in average debt loads. The lowest reported earnings come from UT El Paso at $28,598, though this reflects regional economic differences rather than program quality. Texas's energy sector concentration in Houston and Dallas creates premium salary opportunities for graduates willing to relocate.

Is financial aid available for Texas geological sciences students?

The TEXAS Grant provides up to $5,000 annually for students with family incomes under $60,000, while the Texas Tomorrow Fund allows families to prepay tuition costs. Most public universities offer net prices significantly below published tuition rates through state and federal aid programs. UT San Antonio students graduate with median debt of $18,500, while similar programs at Houston-Downtown average $18,529 in borrowing. These aid programs make geological education accessible even at research universities like University of Houston.

Does acceptance rate affect program quality in Texas geological sciences?

Rice University's 8.68% acceptance rate creates the most selective program, resulting in strong academic outcomes and industry connections. Most public programs accept 80-99% of applicants, with UT El Paso admitting 99.92% of geological sciences applicants while maintaining reasonable graduation standards. UT Arlington balances selectivity at 80.80% acceptance with strong graduate earnings of $43,128 annually. High acceptance rates at public institutions reflect Texas's commitment to accessible earth science education rather than diminished academic standards.

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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.