2027 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 54 schools to find the best return on investment for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences students.
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2027 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
Our analysis ranked California State University Fullerton the best value for a degree in 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. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,125 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $35,509. That is a strong return on a $15,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Stanford University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State Polytechnic University Pomona earned it the #3 place for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $19,375 in student loans. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $49,427. Set against $19,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences will find it at Murray State University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $23,420 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Murray State University generally make around $48,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill one of the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. 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. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $15,117. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $61,361 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #6 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. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $83,560. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%.
California State University Long Beach came in at #7 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,732 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $51,087. Set against $15,732 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
Florida Atlantic University landed the #9 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Florida Atlantic University is a very large public school located in the city of Boca Raton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Florida Atlantic University earn a median of $49,340 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.
San Jose State University earned the #10 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Portland State University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $24,125. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $37,831. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #12 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $18,969. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $42,779. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas earned the #13 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $16,298 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $41,963. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Florida Gulf Coast University earned the #14 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public school located in the suburb of Fort Myers. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $20,015 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Florida Gulf Coast University earn a median of $50,726 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,015 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.
University Of Wyoming came in at #15 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $23,700 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $45,758. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #16 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. 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, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $20,500. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $29,724 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Illinois University placed #17 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $52,308. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.
Eastern Washington University came in at #18 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Eastern Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Cheney. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. 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. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University landed the #20 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $50,348. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #21 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah came in at #22 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $20,798. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $60,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Old Dominion University landed the #23 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $57,131. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Arizona came in at #24 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $38,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia State University placed #25 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Georgia State University is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, while out-of-state students pay about $24,840. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $39,375 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.
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 list is compiled 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 · 54 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 54 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.
