2026 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
[Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences-geosciences-other/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong other geological & earth sciences/geosciences education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 114 schools to find the best return on investment for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences students.
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2026 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools
Leading the list is California State University Fullerton, our #1 best value for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $15,125. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $35,509. Set against $15,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences will find it at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Long Beach earned it the #4 place for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $50,982 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
Murray State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $23,420. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $48,423. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #6 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $19,375 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $49,427 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
Florida Atlantic University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $49,340. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #8 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $61,361 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earned the #9 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants.
University Of Utah ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $49,446. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #11 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $16,298 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $41,963. Set against $16,298 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Wyoming came in at #12 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,700 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of Wyoming earn a median of $45,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #13 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $18,969 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $42,779 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #14 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $29,724. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #15 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Sonoma State University landed the #16 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Sonoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Rohnert Park. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $18,031. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $51,140. That is a strong return on a $18,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Western Kentucky University placed #17 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,778 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Eastern Washington University landed the #18 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $47,144 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Portland State University came in at #19 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $47,717 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Columbus State University came in at #20 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,493 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Columbus State University earn a median of $51,154 early in their careers. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #21 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $48,489 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%.
Old Dominion University placed #22 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $26,001. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #23 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $23,250. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $57,461. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Mississippi State University landed the #24 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Students borrow a median of $26,286 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $42,298 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
Central Washington University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Students borrow a median of $21,988 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $44,178. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences:
Other Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Degree Levels
Explore the best-value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools at other degree levels:
View All Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 114 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
