2026 Best Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the Southwest Region

Geophysics & Seismology degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for geophysics & seismology students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

• Best Geophysics & Seismology Schools in the Southwest Region

Best Schools for Geophysics & Seismology in the Southwest Region

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

Top Schools in Geophysics & Seismology

1

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

26 Geophysics & Seismology Degrees Awarded

$89,896 Median Starting Salary

No school ranked higher than University Of Houston this year for geophysics & seismology. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 26 geophysics & seismology students who graduated with this degree at University Of Houston in the most recent data year. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $89,896 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the geophysics & seismology program at University Of Houston

2

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

13 Geophysics & Seismology Degrees Awarded

$86,497 Median Starting Salary

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best geophysics & seismology schools. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 13 geophysics & seismology degrees were awarded at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $86,497. Typical student debt for the program is $29,250. See the full geophysics & seismology program report for University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

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 · 9 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.