Earth Systems Science is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their earth systems science programs.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best earth systems science schools.
The earth systems science program you select can have a big impact on your future. To help, we created our Best Earth Systems Science Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Earth Systems Science School ranking, 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.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Earth Systems Science Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.
Middlebury College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in earth systems science. Located in the town of Middlebury, Middlebury College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 14 earth systems science students who graduated with this degree at Middlebury College in the most recent data year. Earth Systems Science graduates of Middlebury College earn a median of $54,713 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,948 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in earth systems science from Middlebury College
Students looking for a strong earth systems science program will find one at Arizona State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 19 earth systems science degrees were awarded at Arizona State University in the most recent year. Earth Systems Science graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $55,876 early in their careers. Arizona State University graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans.
Read more about the earth systems science program at Arizona State University
Students looking for a strong earth systems science program will find one at Western Kentucky University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 earth systems science students who graduated with this degree at Western Kentucky University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the earth systems science program make about $44,778 in their early career. Western Kentucky University graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans.
Read more about the earth systems science program at Western Kentucky University
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 3 schools evaluated.
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).
