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2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

31 Ranked Colleges
1,632 Degrees Awarded
$9,400 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. 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 Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

Geological & Earth Sciences is the 95th most popular major in the country with 7,821 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, geological and earth sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $38,705 and had an average of $23,383 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Far Western US region, there were 1,632 geological and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $37,732 and $20,537 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking looked at 31 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in geological and earth sciences. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality geological and earth sciences programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the geological and earth sciences program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list to help you make the college decision.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

Out of the 31 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #1 spot on the list. Stanford is a private not-for-profit institution located in Stanford, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 100 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Stanford, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $1,581 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Stanford.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Full Stanford University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

2

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California Institute of Technology. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Caltech is a small school located in Pasadena, California that handed out 31 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Caltech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend California Institute of Technology is $12,190 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at California Institute of Technology

3

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k. UW Seattle is a large school located in Seattle, Washington that handed out 127 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UW Seattle also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #3. The yearly cost to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus is $6,399 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.1% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Washington - Seattle Campus

4

Out of the 31 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #4 spot on the list. This large school is located in Berkeley, California, and it awarded 49 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Berkeley also took the #2 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UC Berkeley is $9,999 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.8% 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 96%.

Full University of California - Berkeley Geological & Earth Sciences Report

5

Out of the 31 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #5 spot on the list. University of California - Los Angeles is a public institution located in Los Angeles, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 31 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UCLA also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #7. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Los Angeles is $9,891 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% 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 96%.

Full University of California - Los Angeles Geological & Earth Sciences Report

6

California State University - Los Angeles did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #6. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 19 students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Cal State LA is $2,701 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Los Angeles Geological & Earth Sciences Report

7

University of California - San Diego ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in La Jolla, California, this large public school handed out 75 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UCSD also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #6. The yearly cost to attend University of California - San Diego is $11,176 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of California - San Diego Geological & Earth Sciences Report

8

University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Santa Barbara is a public institution located in Santa Barbara, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 53 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UCSB also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #4. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Barbara is $11,606 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of California - Santa Barbara

9

With a ranking of #9, California State University - Long Beach did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. CSULB is a public institution located in Long Beach, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 18 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $7,573 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CSULB.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at California State University - Long Beach

10

University of California - Davis landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Davis is a public institution located in Davis, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 43 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Davis did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UC Davis is $11,598 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% 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 full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of California - Davis

11

University of California - Irvine did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #11. Located in Irvine, California, this large public school awarded 70 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

UC Irvine also took the #9 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UC Irvine is $8,449 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at UC Irvine

12

California State University - Fullerton ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Fullerton, California, and it awarded 26 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Cal State Fullerton has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fullerton is $5,821 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 2.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal State Fullerton Geological & Earth Sciences Report

13

University of California - Riverside did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #13. This large school is located in Riverside, California, and it awarded 30 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UCR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UCR is $8,193 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.3% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at University of California - Riverside

14

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Pomona, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 28 students in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly Pomona also took the #14 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Cal Poly Pomona is $12,992 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona

15

University of California - Santa Cruz came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UC Santa Cruz is a fairly large public school situated in Santa Cruz, California. It awarded 65 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Santa Cruz did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. It costs about $12,049 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Santa Cruz.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of California - Santa Cruz

16

University of Nevada - Las Vegas landed the #16 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UNLV is a public institution located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The school has a large population, and it awarded 34 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UNLV also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #17. It costs about $9,602 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Nevada - Las Vegas.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Nevada - Las Vegas

17

California State University - Stanislaus came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Turlock, California, this fairly large public school awarded 12 diplomas to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Stan State is $4,903 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at California State University - Stanislaus

18

California State University - Sacramento came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 20 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State also took the #24 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Sac State is $9,055 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% 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%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Sac State

19

With a ranking of #19, University of Nevada - Reno did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Nevada - Reno is located in Reno, Nevada and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 33 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

UNR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. The yearly cost to attend UNR is $12,399 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full UNR Geological & Earth Sciences Report

20
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. SDSU is a large public school situated in San Diego, California. It awarded 29 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, SDSU has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend SDSU is $9,274 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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 low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at SDSU

21
WWU crest
Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington

Western Washington University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #21. WWU is a fairly large public school situated in Bellingham, Washington. It awarded 55 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, WWU has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Western Washington University is $11,357 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at WWU

22
Wazzu crest
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington

With a ranking of #22, Washington State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Washington State University is located in Pullman, Washington and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 130 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Wazzu has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Wazzu is $8,719 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Wazzu Geological & Earth Sciences Report

23

California State University - Northridge came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Northridge, California, this large public school awarded 16 degrees to qualified ’s geology students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $7,103 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - Northridge.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% 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 California State University - Northridge Geological & Earth Sciences Report

24
CWU crest
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington

Central Washington University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Central Washington University is a public institution located in Ellensburg, Washington. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 17 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CWU also took the #25 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. It costs about $12,706 for Far Western US Region Geology students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CWU.

Full CWU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

25
Oregon State crest
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon

Oregon State University landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and it awarded 74 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Oregon State also took the #12 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Oregon State is $17,173 for far western us region geology students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Oregon State

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