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2023 Best Value Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences (Income $75-$110k) in the Southeast Region

36 Ranked Colleges
1,540 Degrees Awarded
$18,400 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

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 Southeast region, there were 1,540 geological and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $37,423 and $24,357 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking looked at 36 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in geological and earth sciences. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent geological and earth sciences programs, but they also cost less that 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. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k

The colleges and universities below are the best for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences (Income $75-$110k) in the Southeast Region

1
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida

Out of the 36 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Florida landed the #1 spot on the list. Gainesville, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 32 students in 2020-2021.

UF not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Florida is $12,874 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.7% 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%. With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at UF

2

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. This large school is located in Tampa, Florida, and it awarded 50 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

USF Tampa not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of South Florida - Main Campus is $14,349 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

With a freshman retention rate of 92%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. 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%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at USF Tampa

3
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida

Out of the 36 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k that were part of this year’s ranking, Florida State University landed the #3 spot on the list. Tallahassee, Florida is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 33 students in 2020-2021.

Florida State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Florida State University is $15,203 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

With a freshman retention rate of 95%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% 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%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Florida State University

4
WVU crest
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend West Virginia University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. This large school is located in Morgantown, West Virginia, and it awarded 49 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at WVU, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $16,324 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend West Virginia University.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at WVU

5

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. Chapel Hill, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 29 students in 2020-2021.

UNC Chapel Hill did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is $19,088 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% 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 95%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill

6
UGA crest
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia

University of Georgia landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. UGA is located in Athens, Georgia and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 17 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k list, UGA has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $17,630 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend UGA.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.9% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full University of Georgia Geological & Earth Sciences Report

7
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi

Mississippi State University landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Mississippi State is a large school located in Mississippi State, Mississippi that handed out 181 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Mississippi State also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #4. The estimated yearly cost for Mississippi State University is $20,432 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Mississippi State University

8

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. This large school is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and it awarded 72 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

Louisiana State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Louisiana State University is $23,280 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Geological & Earth Sciences Report

9

With a ranking of #9, Florida International University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. Florida International University is a large public school situated in Miami, Florida. It awarded 26 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at FIU, the school also landed the #25 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for FIU is $12,817 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% 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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Full Florida International University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

10
NC State crest
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina State University landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. NC State is a public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 32 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

NC State also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #5. It costs about $19,833 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend North Carolina State University.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at North Carolina State University

11
FAU crest
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Florida Atlantic University is a public institution located in Boca Raton, Florida. The school has a large population, and it awarded 19 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k list, FAU has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $17,442 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend FAU.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.4% 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%.

Full FAU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

12

University of Louisiana at Lafayette landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Lafayette, Louisiana is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 27 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UL Lafayette, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Louisiana at Lafayette is $16,017 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at UL Lafayette

13
Georgia State crest
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia State University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Georgia State is a public institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 48 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Georgia State also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #18. The yearly cost to attend Georgia State is $20,983 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

Full Georgia State University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

14
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia

William & Mary did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #14. William & Mary is a medium-sized public school situated in Williamsburg, Virginia. It awarded 27 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

William & Mary also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #12. The yearly cost to attend William & Mary is $19,472 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% 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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at William & Mary

15

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. UNC Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 75 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k list, UNC Charlotte has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $21,011 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full UNC Charlotte Geological & Earth Sciences Report

16
Appalachian State crest
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #16. Appalachian State is a public institution located in Boone, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 17 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Appalachian State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Appalachian State is $18,770 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% 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%.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Appalachian State

17
WKU crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky

With a ranking of #17, Western Kentucky University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. WKU is a fairly large school located in Bowling Green, Kentucky that handed out 25 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for WKU is $16,529 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at WKU

18
WCU crest
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina

Western Carolina University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #18. WCU is a fairly large public school situated in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It awarded 9 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $17,042 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend WCU.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Western Carolina University

19
ECU crest
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University landed the #19 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. This large school is located in Greenville, North Carolina, and it awarded 24 ’s geology degrees in 2020-2021.

ECU also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #20. It costs about $20,488 for southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend East Carolina University.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at East Carolina University

20
ETSU crest
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee

East Tennessee State University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 34 ’s geology degrees to qualified students.

ETSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” list. It costs about $17,636 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend East Tennessee State University.

Full East Tennessee State University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

21
Middle Tennessee State University crest
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

With a ranking of #21, Middle Tennessee State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. Murfreesboro, Tennessee is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 22 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $16,941 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend Middle Tennessee State University.

Full Middle Tennessee State University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

22

University of North Carolina at Wilmington did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #22. University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a public institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 48 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our southeast region geology students whose families make $75-$110k list, UNCW has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of North Carolina at Wilmington is $22,872 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of North Carolina at Wilmington Geological & Earth Sciences Report

23

University of South Carolina - Columbia landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking. Columbia, South Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 28 students in 2020-2021.

UofSC also took the #14 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of South Carolina - Columbia is $22,517 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 90%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full University of South Carolina - Columbia Geological & Earth Sciences Report

24
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Tech ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k list. Virginia Tech is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 26 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Virginia Tech, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. It costs about $23,999 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend Virginia Tech.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, 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 1.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Virginia Tech Geological & Earth Sciences Report

25
UNO crest
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana

University of New Orleans did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Geology Schools in the Southeast Region For Those Making $75-$110k ranking, coming in at #25. New Orleans, Louisiana is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s geology degrees to 21 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $15,862 for Southeast Region Geology students whose families make $75-$110k per year to attend University of New Orleans.

Full University of New Orleans Geological & Earth Sciences Report

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