2026 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the Far Western Region

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 best value for geophysics & seismology in the Far Western Region. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $10,492. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

2

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #2 on our 2026 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $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. The acceptance rate is 27%.

3

University Of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK

A rank of #3 makes University Of Alaska Fairbanks one of the best values for geophysics & seismology. University Of Alaska Fairbanks is a large public school located in the city of Fairbanks. Students from in state pay about $10,083 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,892. Students borrow a median of $23,439 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of Alaska Fairbanks generally make around $50,963. That is a strong return on a $23,439 median debt.

4

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $29,724. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

5

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geophysics & seismology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,187 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $22,998. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

6

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $21,800. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $45,488. That is a strong return on a $21,800 median debt. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #7 for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology 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. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Nevada Reno
Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno earned the #8 position for value in geophysics & seismology this year. Set in the city of Reno, University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $23,250. 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%.

9

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $26,158 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $36,802. Set against $26,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

10

California Institute Of Technology
Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology came in at #10 for value in geophysics & seismology this year. 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. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. California Institute Of Technology admits about 3% of applicants.