[Earth Systems Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/earth-systems-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value earth systems science schools.
Finding the Best Value Earth Systems Science School for You
The right earth systems science school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Earth Systems Science Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Earth Systems Science Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
Our analysis ranked Western Kentucky University the best value for a degree in earth systems science in the United States. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Earth Systems Science graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Earth Systems Science graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,778 early in their careers. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #2 place for earth systems science. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete the earth systems science program here. Soon after graduation, earth systems science degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $55,876. Set against $21,842 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Middlebury College one of the best values for earth systems science. Set in the town of Middlebury, Middlebury College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,600. Typical student debt for earth systems science graduates is $15,948. Early-career earth systems science graduates make about $54,713. Set against $15,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
[Earth Systems Science](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/earth-systems-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
