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2027 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools

32 Colleges in the United States
$21,843 Avg Student Debt
$75,555 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Badge [Geophysics & Seismology](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geophysics-and-seismology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong geophysics & seismology education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 32 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value geophysics & seismology schools.

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Finding the Best Value Geophysics & Seismology School for You

The geophysics & seismology program you select can have a big impact on your finances and your future. To help, we created our Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

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Customizing Your List

We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Bachelor's Degrees in Geophysics & Seismology
Master's Degrees in Geophysics & Seismology

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

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2027 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geophysics & seismology degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools

1

For return on investment in geophysics & seismology, no school beat University Of California Berkeley this year. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

2
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stanford University earned it the #2 place for geophysics & seismology. 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. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geophysics & seismology, landing the #3 spot this year. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.

4

University Of California San Diego came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $79,645 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

5

University Of California Los Angeles is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geophysics & seismology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $63,833. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

6

The University Of Texas At El Paso earned the #6 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $19,819. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $48,335 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.

7

University Of Alaska Fairbanks placed #7 among the best values for geophysics & seismology. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,083, while out-of-state students pay about $25,892. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $23,439 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of Alaska Fairbanks earn a median of $50,963 early in their careers. Set against $23,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

University Of Wyoming placed #8 among the best values for geophysics & seismology. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $23,700. Geophysics & Seismology 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%.

9

Michigan Technological University earned the #9 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $25,800 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Michigan Technological University earn a median of $64,652 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

10

University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #10 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $29,724 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.

11

University Of Houston ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. University Of Houston is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $89,896 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

12

University Of California Riverside earned the #12 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $19,187. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of California Riverside earn a median of $22,998 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

13

University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $49,045. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #14 spot for geophysics & seismology value this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $29,250. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $86,497 early in their careers. Set against $29,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

15

California Institute Of Technology ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Set in the city of Pasadena, California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,898 in tuition and fees. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $173,344. Roughly 3% of applicants are accepted.

16

University Of California Santa Barbara earned the #16 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $21,800. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $45,488. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

17

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #17 spot for geophysics & seismology value this year. Located in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $39,553. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

18
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah came in at #18 for value in geophysics & seismology 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. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $49,446. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

19

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #19 for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Stillwater. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $50,993. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

20

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #20 among the best values for geophysics & seismology. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $42,218. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants.

21

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #21 among the best values for geophysics & seismology. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,487 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $42,062. That is a strong return on a $16,487 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants.

22

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Massachusetts Institute Of Technology earn a median of $113,129 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants.

23

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #23 spot for geophysics & seismology value this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $34,481 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

24
Suny At Geneseo crest
Suny At Geneseo
Geneseo, NY

Suny At Geneseo came in at #24 for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the town of Geneseo, Suny At Geneseo is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,999, with out-of-state students paying around $19,569. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $24,275 in student loans. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Suny At Geneseo earn a median of $37,022 early in their careers. Set against $24,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

25

Texas A And M University College Station earned the #25 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Located in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,837 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $57,562. That is a strong return on a $20,837 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 32 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for geophysics & seismology this year:

26
27
28
29
Boston University crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
30
Brown University crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
31
32

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Geophysics & Seismology is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 32 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 32 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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