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2026 Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geology & earth sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools
For return on investment in geology & earth sciences, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year. Set in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of $43,853 early in their careers. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at Southern Utah University, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. That is a strong return on a $12,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
University Of Wyoming came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geology & earth sciences schools. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,700 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Wyoming generally make around $45,758. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
University Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geology & earth sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Early-career geology & earth sciences graduates make about $49,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at Utah State University, which ranked #5. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of Northern Colorado landed the #6 spot for geology & earth sciences value this year. Located in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Northern Colorado earn a median of $46,954 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.
Boise State University placed #7 among the best values for geology & earth sciences. Boise State University is a very large public school located in the city of Boise. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Students borrow a median of $27,299 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Boise State University generally make around $31,701. That is a strong return on a $27,299 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #8 among the best values for geology & earth sciences. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $26,028. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $41,158. That is a strong return on a $26,028 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants.
Montana State University placed #9 among the best values for geology & earth sciences. Montana State University is a large public school located in the city of Bozeman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $29,030 early in their careers. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado Boulder earned the #10 position for value in geology & earth sciences this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $25,000. Early-career geology & earth sciences graduates make about $46,263. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
[Geology & Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geology-and-earth-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong geology & earth sciences education at a price that pays off.
