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2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geological & earth sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools
Leading the list is Old Dominion University, our #1 best value for geological & earth sciences in Virginia. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at George Mason University earned it the #2 place for geological & earth sciences. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $63,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes James Madison University one of the best values for geological & earth sciences. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Typical student debt for geological & earth sciences graduates is $22,375. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $48,118. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at College Of William And Mary, which ranked #4. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Students borrow a median of $18,935 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $53,338 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $60,004 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.
[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.
