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2023 Best Value Colleges for Geology & Earth Sciences in the Southeast Region

37 Ranked Colleges
1,219 Degrees Awarded
$14,400 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking - to help you make that decision.

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

Across the Southeast region, there were 1,219 geology and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking, we looked at 37 colleges that offer a degree in geology and earth sciences. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent geology and earth sciences programs, but they also cost less that 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. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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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 Southeast Region” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region

The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region geology students.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Geology & Earth Sciences in the Southeast Region

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region. USF Tampa is a large school located in Tampa, Florida that handed out 39 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

USF Tampa also took the #11 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for USF Tampa is $8,346 for southeast region geology students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%. 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 USF Tampa Geology & Earth Sciences Report

2
WCU crest
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina

Out of the 37 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Western Carolina University landed the #2 spot on the list. Cullowhee, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 9 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Western Carolina University is $13,924 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at WCU

3
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Mississippi State University. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region. Mississippi State is a large school located in Mississippi State, Mississippi that handed out 177 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Mississippi State also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #4. The yearly cost to attend Mississippi State University is $16,122 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Full Mississippi State Geology & Earth Sciences Report

4
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East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend East Tennessee State University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region. East Tennessee State University is a fairly large public school situated in Johnson City, Tennessee. It awarded 34 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

ETSU also took the #22 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend ETSU is $12,894 for southeast region geology students.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at East Tennessee State University

5
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University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region. UF is a public institution located in Gainesville, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 32 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UF also took the #1 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UF is $5,135 for southeast region geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, 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 97%.

Full UF Geology & Earth Sciences Report

6

University of North Carolina at Wilmington did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #6. Wilmington, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 33 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region geology students list, UNCW has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UNCW is $19,136 for Southeast Region Geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at University of North Carolina at Wilmington

7
WVU crest
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia

With a ranking of #7, West Virginia University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. WVU is located in Morgantown, West Virginia and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 49 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

WVU also took the #6 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for WVU is $13,355 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at West Virginia University

8

University of North Carolina at Charlotte did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #8. University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a large public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. It awarded 75 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UNC Charlotte also took the #16 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UNC Charlotte is $17,634 for southeast region geology students.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default 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.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at UNC Charlotte

9
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida

Florida State University landed the #9 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, this large public school handed out 18 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

Florida State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $9,946 for Southeast Region Geology students per year to attend Florida State.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% 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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 95%.

Full Florida State Geology & Earth Sciences Report

10
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East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. ECU is a large school located in Greenville, North Carolina that handed out 21 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

ECU also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #19. The yearly cost to attend East Carolina University is $16,550 for southeast region geology students.

Full East Carolina University Geology & Earth Sciences Report

11
UofM crest
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee

University of Memphis ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 18 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend UofM is $13,904 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Full University of Memphis Geology & Earth Sciences Report

12
Appalachian State crest
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Boone, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 17 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Appalachian State, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Appalachian State University is $13,989 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. 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 more about Geology & Earth Sciences at Appalachian State University

13

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a large public school situated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It awarded 20 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Louisiana State University, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is $17,811 for southeast region geology students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

14
UGA crest
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

University of Georgia ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. University of Georgia is a large public school situated in Athens, Georgia. It awarded 17 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UGA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $14,257 for Southeast Region Geology students per year to attend UGA.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.9% 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%.

Full UGA Geology & Earth Sciences Report

15
NC State crest
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, this large public school awarded 14 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

NC State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend North Carolina State University is $16,411 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full NC State Geology & Earth Sciences Report

16

Florida International University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #16. Florida International University is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 26 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

FIU also made our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #24. The yearly cost to attend FIU is $5,298 for southeast region geology students.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% 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 more about Geology & Earth Sciences at FIU

17

University of Louisiana at Lafayette did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, coming in at #17. UL Lafayette is located in Lafayette, Louisiana and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 26 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

UL Lafayette also took the #20 spot in our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $13,094 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Full University of Louisiana at Lafayette Geology & Earth Sciences Report

18
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Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia

Georgia Southern University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. GaSou is located in Statesboro, Georgia and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 6 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $15,571 for southeast region geology students per year to attend GaSou.

Full GaSou Geology & Earth Sciences Report

19
University of West Georgia crest
University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia

University of West Georgia came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Located in Carrollton, Georgia, this fairly large public school handed out 10 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for University of West Georgia is $16,588 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at University of West Georgia

20
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

With a ranking of #20, Virginia Tech did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. Virginia Tech is a large school located in Blacksburg, Virginia that handed out 26 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Virginia Tech did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $21,301 for Southeast Region Geology students per year to attend Virginia Tech.

With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.2% 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 Virginia Tech Geology & Earth Sciences Report

21
Radford crest
Radford University
Radford, Virginia

Radford University landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Radford, Virginia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 6 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Radford University is $16,505 for southeast region geology students.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Radford

22

With a ranking of #22, Tennessee Technological University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. Cookeville, Tennessee is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 9 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Tennessee Technological University is $15,932 for Southeast Region Geology students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Tennessee Technological University Geology & Earth Sciences Report

23
Austin Peay State University crest
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee

Austin Peay State University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. Austin Peay State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Clarksville, Tennessee. It awarded 17 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Austin Peay State University is $14,845 for Southeast Region Geology students.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at Austin Peay State University

24
UNO crest
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

University of New Orleans ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region list. University of New Orleans is a medium-sized public school situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It awarded 17 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $12,140 for Southeast Region Geology students per year to attend UNO.

Read full report on Geology & Earth Sciences at UNO

25

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Knoxville, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 49 students in 2020-2021.

UT Knoxville not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $18,579 for southeast region geology students per year to attend UT Knoxville.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geology & Earth Sciences at UT Knoxville

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