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

8 Colleges in the United States
$24,473 Avg Student Debt
$51,064 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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 31 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geological & earth sciences students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Ohio

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

Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools

1

For return on investment in geological & earth sciences, no school beat University Of Akron Main Campus this year. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $27,000. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Akron Main Campus earn a median of $39,678 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wright State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place for geological & earth sciences. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Wright State University Main Campus earn a median of $39,321 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

3

Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #3. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $41,156. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

4

Kent State University At Kent is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $27,000. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $40,005. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants.

5

A rank of #5 makes Ohio University Main Campus one of the best values for geological & earth sciences. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $19,500. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $38,637. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

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6

Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for geological & earth sciences value this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $45,196 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,449 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

7

Miami University Oxford earned the #7 position for value in geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Students borrow a median of $20,862 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $38,478. That is a strong return on a $20,862 median debt. Miami University Oxford admits about 75% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 31 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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