2026 Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in Colorado

1

University Of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO

For return on investment in geology & earth sciences, no school beat University Of Northern Colorado this year. Set in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $46,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado admits about 86% of applicants.

2

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at Colorado State University Fort Collins, which ranked #2. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public school located in the city of Fort Collins. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. 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. Set against $26,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geology & earth sciences schools. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Colorado Boulder earn a median of $46,263 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado School Of Mines earned it the #4 place for geology & earth sciences. Set in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Colorado School Of Mines generally make around $79,523. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

5

Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO

Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at Colorado College, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,734. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $17,921. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of Colorado College earn a median of $37,342 early in their careers. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 18%.