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2023 Best Value Colleges for Geology & Earth Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

29 Ranked Colleges
1,121 Degrees Awarded
$9,100 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

Geology & Earth Sciences is the 125th most popular major in the country with 6,024 degrees awarded in 2020-2021.

Across the Far Western US region, there were 1,121 geology and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking looked at 29 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in geology and earth sciences. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality geology and earth sciences programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the geology and earth sciences program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Geology & Earth Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 64 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Stanford also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #1. The yearly cost to attend Stanford is $1,581 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Full Stanford Geology & Earth Sciences Report

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California Institute of Technology. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k. California Institute of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pasadena, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 12 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Caltech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $12,190 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California Institute of Technology.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at California Institute of Technology

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Washington - Seattle Campus is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a large population, and it awarded 43 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UW Seattle also took the #3 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $6,399 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UW Seattle.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at UW Seattle

4

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #4 spot on the list. This large school is located in Berkeley, California, and it awarded 24 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UC Berkeley is $9,999 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at UC Berkeley

5

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #5 spot on the list. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school awarded 14 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UCLA also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #6. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Los Angeles is $9,891 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full UCLA Geology & Earth Sciences Report

6

California State University - Los Angeles ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. California State University - Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 19 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Cal State LA is $2,701 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Cal State LA

7

University of California - San Diego ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 27 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSD, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - San Diego is $11,176 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at University of California - San Diego

8

University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, California, this large public school handed out 48 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UCSB also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #4. It costs about $11,606 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UCSB.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at UCSB

9

With a ranking of #9, California State University - Long Beach did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 16 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, CSULB has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CSULB is $7,573 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at California State University - Long Beach

10

University of California - Davis landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Davis, California, this large public school awarded 31 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UC Davis did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $11,598 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Davis.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at UC Davis

11

University of California - Irvine did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #11. University of California - Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 70 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Irvine, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $8,449 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Irvine.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at University of California - Irvine

12

With a ranking of #12, California State University - Fullerton did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Cal State Fullerton is a public institution located in Fullerton, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $5,821 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full California State University - Fullerton Geology & Earth Sciences Report

13

University of California - Riverside came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Riverside is a public institution located in Riverside, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UCR did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $8,193 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Riverside.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at UCR

14

University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #14. UC Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 49 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, UC Santa Cruz has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $12,049 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Santa Cruz.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full UC Santa Cruz Geology & Earth Sciences Report

15

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Cal Poly Pomona is a public institution located in Pomona, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 28 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly Pomona also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #13. It costs about $12,992 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal Poly Pomona Geology & Earth Sciences Report

16

With a ranking of #16, University of Nevada - Las Vegas did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Nevada - Las Vegas is a large public school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. It awarded 24 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UNLV not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Nevada - Las Vegas is $9,602 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at University of Nevada - Las Vegas

17

California State University - Stanislaus ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This fairly large school is located in Turlock, California, and it awarded 12 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Stanislaus is $4,903 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Stan State

18

With a ranking of #18, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Sac State is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 20 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Sac State has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Sacramento is $9,055 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at California State University - Sacramento

19

University of Nevada - Reno landed the #19 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Reno, Nevada, and it awarded 16 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UNR did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $12,399 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UNR.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at University of Nevada - Reno

20
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. San Diego State University is located in San Diego, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 27 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

SDSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend San Diego State University is $9,274 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full SDSU Geology & Earth Sciences Report

21
WWU crest
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington

Western Washington University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Bellingham, Washington, and it awarded 53 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at WWU, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for WWU is $11,357 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Western Washington University

22
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

Washington State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #22. Wazzu is a large public school situated in Pullman, Washington. It awarded 116 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wazzu, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $8,719 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Wazzu.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Wazzu Geology & Earth Sciences Report

23

California State University - Northridge ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Northridge, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 16 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,103 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - Northridge.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at California State University - Northridge

24
CWU crest
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington

Central Washington University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Central Washington University is a fairly large public school situated in Ellensburg, Washington. It awarded 14 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CWU, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $12,706 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Central Washington University.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at Central Washington University

25

Portland State University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Portland State University is located in Portland, Oregon and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 25 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

Portland State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Portland State University is $11,059 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Portland State University

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