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2024 Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

183 Colleges in the United States
7,821 Geology Degrees Awarded
$38,705 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in geological & earth sciences is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #95 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. As a result, there are many college that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

For its 2024 ranking, College Factual looked at 183 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for geological & earth sciences students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 7,821 degrees in geological & earth sciences to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Geological & Earth Sciences School

Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools Your choice of geological & earth sciences school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Geological & Earth Sciences School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Geological & Earth Sciences Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Geology
Bachelor's Degrees in Geology
Master's Degrees in Geology
Doctor's Degrees in Geology

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Geological & Earth Sciences in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of geology degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Geology

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
100 Geology Degrees Awarded
8.0% Growth in Graduates

It's hard to beat Stanford University if you wish to pursue a degree in geological & earth sciences. Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were about 100 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available. Those geological & earth sciences students who get their degree from Stanford University earn $18,713 more than the typical geology grad.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Stanford University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In IL
9.5% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in geological & earth sciences. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 21 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Northwestern University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
54 Geology Degrees Awarded
$48,555 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in geological & earth sciences needs to take a look at The University of Texas at Austin. UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were roughly 54 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Those geological & earth sciences students who get their degree from The University of Texas at Austin earn $9,850 more than the standard geology graduate.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from The University of Texas at Austin

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Geology Degrees Awarded
$57,731 Median Starting Salary

Texas A&M University - College Station is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in geological & earth sciences. Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of College Station. This university ranks 3rd out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 144 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year. Those geological & earth sciences students who get their degree from Texas A&M University - College Station earn $19,026 more than the typical geology student.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Texas A&M University - College Station

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In IL
17.6% Growth in Graduates

UChicago is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 17 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Chicago

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Geology Degrees Awarded
$36,796 Median Starting Salary

UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the midsize suburb of Santa Barbara. This university ranks 10th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 53 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the geology program report average early career income of $36,796.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of California - Santa Barbara

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
127 Geology Degrees Awarded
$38,071 Median Starting Salary

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were roughly 127.00000000000001 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geology degree recipients generally earn around $38,071 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
58 Geology Degrees Awarded
10.3% Growth in Graduates

Mines is a medium-sized public school located in the suburb of Golden. This school ranks 1st out of 33 colleges for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were approximately 58 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Mines in the most recent data year. Geological & Earth Sciences degree recipients from Colorado School of Mines earn a boost of around $23,551 above the typical income of geological & earth sciences graduates.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Colorado School of Mines

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA
31 Geology Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena, Caltech is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Caltech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 31 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Caltech in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from California Institute of Technology

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Geology Degrees Awarded
$39,352 Median Starting Salary

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the large city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 50 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the geology program earn around $39,352 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Wisconsin - Madison

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In CA
49 Geology Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were about 49 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of California - Berkeley

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
31 Geology Degrees Awarded
$25,210 Median Starting Salary

UCLA is a very large public university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 31 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geology degree recipients typically make around $25,210 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of California - Los Angeles

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Geology Degrees Awarded
$47,106 Median Starting Salary

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 72 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the geological & earth sciences program at University of Arizona earn $8,401 more than the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Arizona

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
75 Geology Degrees Awarded
$35,586 Median Starting Salary

Pitt is a very large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 7th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 75 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the geology program report average early career earnings of $35,586.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
62 Geology Degrees Awarded
21.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 62 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, geology degree recipients usually make about $33,679 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In CT
14.8% Growth in Graduates

UCONN is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Storrs. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 schools for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were about 27 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Connecticut

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
40 Geology Degrees Awarded
15.0% Growth in Graduates

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 40 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the geology program state that they receive average early career income of $37,564.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
102 Geology Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

UH is a fairly large public university located in the city of Houston. This university ranks 10th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 102 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UH in the most recent data year. Those geological & earth sciences students who get their degree from University of Houston earn $30,487 more than the standard geology student.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Houston

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
75 Geology Degrees Awarded
$42,953 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of La Jolla, UCSD is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 75 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the geological & earth sciences major at University of California - San Diego make $4,248 more than the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of California - San Diego

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In IL
$23,250 Median Student Debt

UIUC is a very large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 19 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In NY

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were roughly 24 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Cornell University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
45 Geology Degrees Awarded
$45,124 Median Starting Salary

Located in the remote town of Laramie, UW is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 7 schools for overall quality in the state of Wyoming.

There were about 45 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UW in the most recent year we have data available. Those geological & earth sciences students who get their degree from University of Wyoming make $6,419 more than the standard geology student.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Wyoming

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NV
33 Geology Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Reno, UNR is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Nevada.

There were about 33 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UNR in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Nevada - Reno

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
34 Geology Degrees Awarded
$33,505 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 34 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent data year. After graduating, geology degree recipients typically make around $33,505 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Purdue University - Main Campus

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA

UMass Amherst is a very large public university located in the suburb of Amherst. This university ranks 11th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 25 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at UMass Amherst in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University of Massachusetts Amherst

Rest of the Top Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

26
27

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools award.

Rank College Location
28 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD
29 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
30 University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
31 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
32 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
33 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
34 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
35 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
36 Iowa State University Ames, IA

Geological & Earth Sciences by Region

View the Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 8 majors within the Physical Sciences area of study, Geological & Earth Sciences has other similar majors worth exploring.

Geology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Geology & Earth Sciences 6,024
Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences 767
Chemical & Physical Oceanography 508
Geophysics & Seismology 243
Hydrology & Water Resources Science 221
Geochemistry 49
Paleontology 9

View All Geology Concentrations >

Majors Similar to Geology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Chemistry 21,239
Physics 13,674
General Physical Sciences 3,823
Astronomy & Astrophysics 1,375
Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology 1,140
Materials Sciences 658
Other Physical Science 538
Physics and Astronomy 38

View All Geology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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