Best colleges for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in Iowa
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Iowa, Cornell College and Iowa State University award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees and certificates in Iowa: 21, 6 and 6 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 4 Iowa colleges offer Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences and award 36 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program focuses on the study of the Earth's structure, composition, and processes. This program is designed for students interested in understanding natural phenomena and the physical sciences…
Top institution, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University Ames Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $50,150 | 6 | 75% | — | $26,250 |
Colleges awarding the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees in Iowa
Top 4 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Iowa Iowa City Public | 21 | Not reported |
| 2 | Cornell College Mount Vernon Private not-for-profit | 6 | Not reported |
| 3 | Iowa State University Ames Public | 6 | $50,150 |
| 4 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls Public | 3 | Not reported |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers (SOC 19-2042).
Top skills
What Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earn in Iowa
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in Iowa.
Which Iowa colleges award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees?+
University of Iowa (21 graduates a year), Cornell College (6 graduates a year) and Iowa State University (6 graduates a year) award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees and certificates in Iowa, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 4 Iowa colleges offer Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
How much do Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earn in Iowa?+
The average annual wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Iowa is $77,720 (median $74,460), across about 40 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program?+
The Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program focuses on the study of the Earth's structure, composition, and processes. This program is designed for students interested in understanding natural phenomena and the physical sciences…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop reading comprehension, science, speaking, critical thinking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?+
The national job outlook is about +3.2% growth with around 2,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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