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2027 Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region

40 Colleges in the United States
1,303 Geological & Earth Sciences Degrees Awarded
$46,383 Avg Early-Career Salary

Geological & Earth Sciences 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.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 40 schools to find the best for geological & earth sciences students.

What’s on this page:

Best Schools for Geological & Earth Sciences in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall geological & earth sciences education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in Geological & Earth Sciences

1
University Of Miami crest
University Of Miami
Coral Gables, FL

Our analysis ranked University Of Miami the best school in the country for a degree in geological & earth sciences. University Of Miami is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Coral Gables. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Miami awarded about 31 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from University Of Miami earn around $57,234 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,750. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at University Of Miami

2

University Of Georgia came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University Of Georgia in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $53,546. University Of Georgia graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at University Of Georgia

3

College Of William And Mary is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in geological & earth sciences, ranking #3. This large public university is located in the suburb of Williamsburg. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at College Of William And Mary in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $53,338 in their early career. College Of William And Mary graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for College Of William And Mary

4

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. About 26 geological & earth sciences degrees were awarded at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus in the most recent year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn around $83,560 in the first couple years of their career. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

5

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Chapel Hill. About 91% of students finish within six years. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 26 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $61,361 early in their careers. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

6

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. North Carolina State University At Raleigh awarded about 28 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn around $38,871 in the first couple years of their career. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates carry a median of $22,234 in student loans. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for North Carolina State University At Raleigh

7

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Baton Rouge. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College graduates 66% of students within six years. About 79 geological & earth sciences degrees were awarded at Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College in the most recent year. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College earn a median of $42,218 early in their careers. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

8

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Blacksburg. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 53 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $60,004. Students borrow a median of $23,393 to complete this degree. Get the full geological & earth sciences details for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

9
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. There were roughly 36 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University Of Florida in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $40,691. Typical student debt for the program is $24,757. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for University Of Florida

10
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University landed the #10 spot for geological & earth sciences this year. Auburn University is a very large public school located in the city of Auburn. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Auburn University awarded about 16 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $45,588 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for Auburn University

11

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #11 for geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of South Florida Main Campus awarded about 44 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $48,565. Students borrow a median of $24,002 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University Of South Florida Main Campus

12
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Harrisonburg. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. James Madison University awarded about 24 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from James Madison University earn around $48,118 in the first couple years of their career. James Madison University graduates carry a median of $22,375 in student loans. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at James Madison University

13

Murray State University ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Murray State University awarded about 16 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $48,423 in their early career. Murray State University graduates carry a median of $23,420 in student loans. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Murray State University

14

Florida Gulf Coast University placed #14 among the best geological & earth sciences schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Fort Myers. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Florida Gulf Coast University awarded about 11 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $50,726 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,015 to complete this degree. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at Florida Gulf Coast University

15

Appalachian State University landed the #15 spot for geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Appalachian State University awarded about 33 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $35,021. Appalachian State University graduates carry a median of $22,853 in student loans. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Appalachian State University

16

Florida Atlantic University ranked #16 on our 2027 list of the best geological & earth sciences schools. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Florida Atlantic University graduates 63% of students within six years. About 53 geological & earth sciences degrees were awarded at Florida Atlantic University in the most recent year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $49,340 in their early career. Florida Atlantic University graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for Florida Atlantic University

17

University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #17 spot for geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University Of South Carolina Columbia in the most recent data year. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of South Carolina Columbia earn a median of $38,432 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at University Of South Carolina Columbia

18

The University Of Alabama came in at #18 for geological & earth sciences this year. Located in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public university. About 73% of students finish within six years. About 18 geological & earth sciences degrees were awarded at The University Of Alabama in the most recent year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from The University Of Alabama earn around $50,740 in the first couple years of their career. The University Of Alabama graduates carry a median of $24,496 in student loans. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for The University Of Alabama

19
College Of Charleston crest
College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston placed #19 among the best geological & earth sciences schools. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 36 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at College Of Charleston in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geological & earth sciences degree from College Of Charleston earn around $49,786 in the first couple years of their career. College Of Charleston graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from College Of Charleston

20

West Virginia University came in at #20 for geological & earth sciences this year. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. There were roughly 28 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at West Virginia University in the most recent data year. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $36,382 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for West Virginia University

21

University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #21 for geological & earth sciences this year. This large public university is located in the city of Hattiesburg. About 49% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 30 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University Of Southern Mississippi in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $52,338 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete this degree. See the full geological & earth sciences program report for University Of Southern Mississippi

22

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned the #22 position for geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 83 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $37,717. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte graduates carry a median of $24,897 in student loans. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

23

Florida International University came in at #23 for geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Florida International University awarded about 30 geological & earth sciences degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $52,517 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in geological & earth sciences from Florida International University

24

The University Of Tennessee landed the #24 spot for geological & earth sciences this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Knoxville. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 38 geological & earth sciences students who graduated with this degree at The University Of Tennessee in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $30,101 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full geological & earth sciences details for The University Of Tennessee

25

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington landed the #25 spot for geological & earth sciences this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Wilmington. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington graduates 71% of students within six years. About 40 geological & earth sciences degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington in the most recent year. Graduates of the geological & earth sciences program make about $38,459 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. Read more about the geological & earth sciences program at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

Rest of the Top 40 Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

These schools also placed among the best for geological & earth sciences this year:

26
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
27
28
29
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
30
31
32
33
34
35
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
36
37
38
39
40

View All Geological & Earth Sciences Rankings >

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 40 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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