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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Washington

5 Colleges in the United States
$21,617 Avg Student Debt
$67,925 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Badge [Geological & Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong geological & earth sciences education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for geological & earth sciences students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Washington

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

Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Bothell Campus the best value for a degree in geological & earth sciences in Washington. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,919 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Washington Bothell Campus generally make around $29,724. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Bothell Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

2

Eastern Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $47,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for geological & earth sciences. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $29,724. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.

4

Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at Washington State University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $22,905 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $33,178. That is a strong return on a $22,905 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

5

Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,988 in student loans. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $44,178. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

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6

Western Washington University placed #6 among the best values for geological & earth sciences. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Students borrow a median of $26,158 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $36,802 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,158 median debt. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

7
Whitman College crest
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College landed the #7 spot for geological & earth sciences value this year. Located in the city of Walla Walla, Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $64,050. Students borrow a median of $17,518 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $32,345 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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