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2026 Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geology & earth sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools
For return on investment in geology & earth sciences, no school beat The University Of Texas At San Antonio this year. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public school located in the city of San Antonio. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $18,969. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $42,779. That is a strong return on a $18,969 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at University Of Houston, which ranked #2. University Of Houston is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $25,000. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $89,896 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Houston Downtown earned it the #3 place for geology & earth sciences. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Downtown is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $20,250. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Houston Downtown generally make around $50,894. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Arizona University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geology & earth sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $22,000. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $42,528. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value geology & earth sciences schools. Located in the town of Nacogdoches, Stephen F Austin State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. Students borrow a median of $24,759 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Stephen F Austin State University generally make around $42,197. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of Arizona came in at #6 for value in geology & earth sciences this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $26,000. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $51,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for geology & earth sciences value this year. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $50,993. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #8 for value in geology & earth sciences this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $29,250. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $86,497. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #9 among the best values for geology & earth sciences. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public school located in the city of Richardson. Students from in state pay about $14,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of $65,546 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #10 among the best values for geology & earth sciences. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,487 in student loans. Early-career geology & earth sciences graduates make about $42,062. That is a strong return on a $16,487 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.
[Geology & Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geology-and-earth-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
