2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill the best value for a degree in geological & earth sciences in North Carolina. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $15,117. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $61,361. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. The acceptance rate is 15%.

2

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

A rank of #2 makes Western Carolina University one of the best values for geological & earth sciences. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $24,174. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from Western Carolina University generally make around $44,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $24,897. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $37,717. Set against $24,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants.

4

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Appalachian State University earned it the #4 place for geological & earth sciences. Appalachian State University is a very large public school located in the town of Boone. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Students borrow a median of $22,853 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $35,021. Set against $22,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at East Carolina University, which ranked #5. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $44,961 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

6

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #6 spot for geological & earth sciences value this year. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $22,234. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $38,871. Set against $22,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earned the #7 position for value in geological & earth sciences this year. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington generally make around $38,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.