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2024 Best Value Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences

184 Ranked Colleges
7,821 Degrees Awarded
$14,600 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Geology Schools

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Geology Schools” ranking.

Geological & Earth Sciences is the 95th most popular major in the country with 7,821 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, geological & earth sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $38,705 and had an average of $23,383 in loans still to pay off.

For this year’s “Best Value Geology Schools” ranking, we looked at 184 colleges that offer a degree in geological & earth sciences. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great geological & earth sciences programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the geological & earth sciences program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Geology Schools” list to help you make the college decision.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Geology Schools

The colleges and universities below are the best for geology students.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Brigham Young University - Provo. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Geology Schools. Brigham Young University - Provo is a large school located in Provo, Utah that handed out 26 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend BYU is $13,474 for Geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Brigham Young University - Provo

2

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Brigham Young University - Idaho. It ranked #2 on our 2024 Best Value Geology Schools list. This large school is located in Rexburg, Idaho, and it awarded 9 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $6,698 for geology students per year to attend BYU - I.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at BYU - I

3
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University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wyoming. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Geology Schools. University of Wyoming is a fairly large school located in Laramie, Wyoming that handed out 45 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UW also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list, coming in at #15. It costs about $11,085 for geology students per year to attend University of Wyoming.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full University of Wyoming Geological & Earth Sciences Report

4
UH crest
University of Houston
Houston, Texas

Out of the 184 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Houston landed the #4 spot on the list. Located in Houston, Texas, this large public school awarded 102 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UH not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list. It costs about $13,721 for Geology students per year to attend UH.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at UH

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Missouri State University - Springfield. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Geology Schools. Missouri State is a large public school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 59 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $16,718 for geology students per year to attend Missouri State University - Springfield.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Missouri State Geological & Earth Sciences Report

6

University of Akron Main Campus ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools list. This fairly large school is located in Akron, Ohio, and it awarded 16 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $17,945 for Geology students per year to attend University of Akron Main Campus.

Full University of Akron Main Campus Geological & Earth Sciences Report

7
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Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Western Michigan University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this fairly large public school awarded 38 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Western Michigan University is $20,371 for geology students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Western Michigan University

8

With a ranking of #8, University of Nevada - Reno did quite well on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools list. This large school is located in Reno, Nevada, and it awarded 33 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

On top of its placing in this ranking, UNR also did well on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list. It costs about $14,930 for Geology students per year to attend University of Nevada - Reno.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at UNR

9

With a ranking of #9, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools list. Located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, this fairly large public school handed out 8 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for UW - Eau Claire is $16,051 for geology students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at UW - Eau Claire

10
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

Mississippi State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools list. This large school is located in Mississippi State, Mississippi, and it awarded 181 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Mississippi State is also in the top of our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” ranking. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category. The estimated yearly cost for Mississippi State University is $16,122 for geology students.

Full Mississippi State Geological & Earth Sciences Report

11

Oklahoma State University - Main Campus came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools ranking. Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, this large public school handed out 30 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $14,237 for Geology students per year to attend Oklahoma State University - Main Campus.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Oklahoma State University - Main Campus

12

Iowa State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking, coming in at #12. Iowa State is a large public school situated in Ames, Iowa. It awarded 21 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Iowa State excels when it comes to geology quality. It’s in the top 20% of all schools reviewed in that analysis. The yearly cost to attend Iowa State is $16,002 for geology students.

With a freshman retention rate of 88%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Iowa State University

13

Texas A&M University - College Station did quite well in the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking, coming in at #13. This large school is located in College Station, Texas, and it awarded 144 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Texas A&M College Station not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list. The yearly cost to attend Texas A&M University - College Station is $18,919 for geology students.

With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Texas A&M College Station

14
WCU crest
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina

Western Carolina University landed the #14 spot on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking. This fairly large school is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and it awarded 9 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Western Carolina University is $13,924 for geology students.

Full WCU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

15

University of Wisconsin - River Falls landed the #15 spot on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking. UW - River Falls is located in River Falls, Wisconsin and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 8 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $13,844 for geology students per year to attend UW - River Falls.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Wisconsin - River Falls

16

With a ranking of #16, California State University - Long Beach did quite well on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools list. California State University - Long Beach is a public institution located in Long Beach, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 18 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSULB is $10,054 for geology students.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Long Beach Geological & Earth Sciences Report

17

University of South Florida - Main Campus ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools list. Tampa, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 50 students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend USF Tampa is $8,346 for geology students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 90%.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Geological & Earth Sciences Report

18
ETSU crest
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee

East Tennessee State University did quite well in the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking, coming in at #18. East Tennessee State University is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 34 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend ETSU is $12,894 for Geology students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at East Tennessee State University

19

The University of Texas at Austin did quite well in the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking, coming in at #19. The University of Texas at Austin is a large school located in Austin, Texas that handed out 54 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UT Austin also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools” list, coming in at #8. The estimated yearly cost for UT Austin is $18,350 for geology students.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full UT Austin Geological & Earth Sciences Report

20
Illinois State crest
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois

Illinois State University landed the #20 spot on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking. Located in Normal, Illinois, this large public school handed out 19 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Illinois State is $20,830 for Geology students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Illinois State

20
Texas Tech crest
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools ranking. This large school is located in Lubbock, Texas, and it awarded 47 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Texas Tech is $16,194 for Geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Texas Tech

22

University of Nevada - Las Vegas ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools list. UNLV is a large public school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. It awarded 34 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,993 for Geology students per year to attend University of Nevada - Las Vegas.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full University of Nevada - Las Vegas Geological & Earth Sciences Report

23

With a ranking of #23, Texas A&M University - Kingsville did quite well on the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools list. Texas A&M Kingsville is a medium-sized public school situated in Kingsville, Texas. It awarded 14 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Texas A&M University - Kingsville is $13,027 for geology students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Texas A&M Kingsville

24

University of Minnesota - Duluth ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools list. This medium-sized school is located in Duluth, Minnesota, and it awarded 19 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend University of Minnesota - Duluth is $18,505 for Geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Minnesota - Duluth

25
FAU crest
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University did quite well in the 2024 Best Value Geology Schools ranking, coming in at #25. Florida Atlantic University is a large school located in Boca Raton, Florida that handed out 19 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,735 for geology students per year to attend Florida Atlantic University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Florida Atlantic University

Rest of the Best 28 in Best Value Geology Schools

Not only did these schools make the top 28 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

26
U of U crest
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
27
28

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

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