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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

18 Colleges in the United States
$21,470 Avg Student Debt
$67,359 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Bachelor's Degree Badge [Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences-geosciences-other/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong other geological & earth sciences/geosciences education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 114 schools to find the best return on investment for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences students.

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2026 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools

1

Leading the list is California State University Fullerton, our #1 best value for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $15,125. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $35,509. Set against $15,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.

2
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

A rank of #2 makes Stanford University one of the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $100,827 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

3

Students looking for strong value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences will find it at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Long Beach earned it the #4 place for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $50,982 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

5

Murray State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $23,420. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $48,423. That is a strong return on a $23,420 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

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6

California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #6 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $19,375 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $49,427 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,375 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

7

Florida Atlantic University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $49,340. Set against $20,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #8 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earn a median of $61,361 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

9

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earned the #9 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Set against $24,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants.

10
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $49,446. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

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11

University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #11 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $16,298 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Nevada Las Vegas generally make around $41,963. Set against $16,298 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Wyoming came in at #12 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,700 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of University Of Wyoming earn a median of $45,758 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%.

13

The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #13 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $18,969 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $42,779 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #14 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $29,724. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #15 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

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16
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University landed the #16 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Sonoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Rohnert Park. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $18,031. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $51,140. That is a strong return on a $18,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

17
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University placed #17 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $44,778 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

18

Eastern Washington University landed the #18 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Eastern Washington University earn a median of $47,144 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

19

Portland State University came in at #19 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $47,717 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

20

Columbus State University came in at #20 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. Columbus State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,493 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Columbus State University earn a median of $51,154 early in their careers. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

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21

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned the #21 position for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $48,489 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 31%.

22

Old Dominion University placed #22 among the best values for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences. Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $26,001. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Old Dominion University generally make around $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University admits about 90% of applicants.

23

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #23 for value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical student debt for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates is $23,250. Early-career other geological & earth sciences/geosciences graduates make about $57,461. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

24
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

Mississippi State University landed the #24 spot for other geological & earth sciences/geosciences value this year. Mississippi State University is a very large public school located in the town of Mississippi State. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Students borrow a median of $26,286 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Other Geological & Earth Sciences/geosciences graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $42,298 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.

25

Central Washington University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Students borrow a median of $21,988 to complete the other geological & earth sciences/geosciences program here. Soon after graduation, other geological & earth sciences/geosciences degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $44,178. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in other geological & earth sciences/geosciences:

26
27
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
28
Salisbury University crest
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
College Of Charleston crest
College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC
39
40
41
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
42
43
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
44
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
45
46
47
48
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
49
50
Whitman College crest
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Other Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Degree Levels

Explore the best-value other geological & earth sciences/geosciences schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Associate's Degrees in Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Master's Degrees in Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences
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View All Other Geological & Earth Sciences/Geosciences Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 114 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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