2026 Best Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the Far Western Region

Geophysics & Seismology is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools to find the best for geophysics & seismology students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the Far Western Region

Best Schools for Geophysics & Seismology in the Far Western Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall geophysics & seismology education in the Far Western Region.

Top Schools in Geophysics & Seismology

1

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

16 Geophysics & Seismology Degrees Awarded

$100,827 Median Starting Salary

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 school for geophysics & seismology. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. About 16 geophysics & seismology degrees were awarded at Stanford University in the most recent year. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,492. Get the full geophysics & seismology details for Stanford University

2

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

13 Geophysics & Seismology Degrees Awarded

$63,833 Median Starting Salary

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the top schools for geophysics & seismology. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. About 93% of students finish within six years. About 13 geophysics & seismology degrees were awarded at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. University Of California Los Angeles graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. See the full geophysics & seismology program report for University Of California Los Angeles

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 12 schools evaluated.

• 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.