by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geological And Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their geological and earth sciences graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying geological and earth sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send geological and earth sciences graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
University Of Memphis earned the #1 spot for highest-paid geological and earth sciences graduates in Tennessee. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Geological And Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of about $54,728 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in geological and earth sciences will find them at Austin Peay State University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. Early-career geological and earth sciences graduates from Austin Peay State University make a median of around $48,050 per year.
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying geological and earth sciences schools. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. After graduating, geological and earth sciences degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University typically earn about $56,280 annually.
Strong graduate earnings at The University Of Tennessee earned it the #4 place for geological and earth sciences. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Geological And Earth Sciences graduates of The University Of Tennessee earn a median of about $47,395 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in geological and earth sciences will find them at The University Of Tennessee Martin, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Students who complete the geological and earth sciences program here go on to a median salary of roughly $32,241.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their geological and earth sciences graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 5 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.