2026 Best Value Geophysics & Seismology Schools in California

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among geophysics & seismology schools in California. University Of California San Diego is a very large public school located in the city of La Jolla. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical student debt for geophysics & seismology graduates is $17,101. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $79,645. Set against $17,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Stanford University earned it the #2 place for geophysics & seismology. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.

3

University Of California Riverside
Riverside, CA

University Of California Riverside came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geophysics & seismology schools. Set in the city of Riverside, University Of California Riverside is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,636 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,524. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $19,187 in student loans. Early-career geophysics & seismology graduates make about $22,998. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Barbara earned it the #4 place for geophysics & seismology. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,800 to complete the geophysics & seismology program here. Geophysics & Seismology graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $45,488 early in their careers. Set against $21,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

5

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of California Los Angeles one of the best values for geophysics & seismology. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Geophysics & Seismology graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology 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. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

6

California Institute Of Technology
Pasadena, CA

California Institute Of Technology placed #6 among the best values for geophysics & seismology. California Institute Of Technology is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena. In-state tuition and fees average $65,898. Soon after graduation, geophysics & seismology degree recipients from California Institute Of Technology generally make around $173,344. Roughly 3% of applicants are accepted.