Best institutions to study Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Compare 475 U.S. colleges offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 52 states.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs report a median of $40,371 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 40.06 and the Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs
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 that govern our planet. It encompasses various specializations, including geology, geochemistry, and hydrology, providing a comprehensive foundation for exploring Earth's systems.
Learn more about Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences →
Students in this program will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics. Coursework typically includes geology, chemistry, physics, and computer applications, equipping students with the knowledge to analyze geological data and conduct field studies.
Top 50 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,908 | 85 | 86% | — | $26,000 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University - World Campus University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,908 | 8 | 34% | — | $26,000 |
| 3 | University of Houston - Downtown Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,894 | 21 | 33% | — | $20,250 |
| 4 | Kean University Union, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,645 | 6 | 47% | — | $27,000 |
| 5 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,150 | 6 | 75% | — | $26,250 |
| 6 | College of Charleston Charleston, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,786 | 36 | 66% | — | $26,500 |
| 7 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,727 | 26 | 69% | — | $25,750 |
| 8 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,446 | 37 | 65% | — | — |
| 9 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,406 | 22 | 68% | — | $19,375 |
| 10 | University of South Florida Tampa, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,565 | 44 | 77% | — | $24,002 |
| 11 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,489 | 30 | 86% | — | $15,000 |
| 12 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,118 | 24 | 80% | — | $22,375 |
| 13 | Weber State University Ogden, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,998 | 8 | 46% | — | — |
| 14 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,352 | 16 | 64% | — | — |
| 15 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,045 | 30 | 84% | — | $24,830 |
| 16 | Rutgers University - Newark Newark, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,045 | 6 | 64% | — | $24,830 |
| 17 | University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,954 | 11 | 51% | — | $26,000 |
| 18 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,263 | 40 | 74% | — | $25,000 |
| 19 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,974 | 80 | 93% | — | $17,875 |
| 20 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WY Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,758 | 37 | 59% | — | $23,700 |
| 21 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,727 | 133 | 43% | $34,565 | $31,349 |
| 22 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,588 | 16 | 82% | — | $27,000 |
| 23 | East Carolina University Greenville, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,961 | 14 | 63% | — | $20,500 |
| 24 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,825 | 39 | 85% | — | $21,700 |
| 25 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,585 | 134 | 84% | — | $20,837 |
| 26 | University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,207 | 23 | 64% | — | $21,000 |
| 27 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,985 | 25 | 65% | — | $25,000 |
| 28 | Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,915 | 19 | 58% | — | $26,000 |
| 29 | University of California - Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,462 | 46 | 86% | — | $16,416 |
| 30 | Fort Hays State University Hays, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,421 | 34 | 48% | — | $23,875 |
| 31 | University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,362 | 58 | 75% | — | $20,833 |
| 32 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,112 | 38 | 54% | — | $29,725 |
| 33 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,068 | 29 | 90% | — | $25,000 |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,932 | 19 | 49% | — | $27,000 |
| 35 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,788 | 12 | 54% | — | $27,931 |
| 36 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,779 | 29 | 53% | — | $18,969 |
| 37 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,528 | 23 | 61% | — | $22,000 |
| 38 | Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,298 | 160 | 67% | — | $26,286 |
| 39 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,218 | 79 | 69% | — | $19,500 |
| 40 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,062 | 91 | 89% | — | $16,487 |
| 41 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,963 | 38 | 51% | — | $16,298 |
| 42 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,626 | 24 | 69% | — | $27,000 |
| 43 | San Diego State University San Diego, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,351 | 16 | 76% | — | $21,500 |
| 44 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,158 | 45 | 67% | — | $26,028 |
| 45 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,156 | 44 | 88% | — | $26,000 |
| 46 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,094 | 15 | 66% | — | $27,937 |
| 47 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,691 | 36 | 91% | — | $24,757 |
| 48 | University of Florida - Online Gainesville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,691 | 20 | 85% | — | $24,757 |
| 49 | State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,524 | 17 | 72% | — | $18,500 |
| 50 | Carleton College Northfield, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,371 | 21 | 90% | $18,669 | — |
Offered across 52 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2042, Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program can pursue careers in various fields related to earth sciences. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 3.2% and approximately 2,000 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $99,240, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.06.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.06 (Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2042 | Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographersprimary |
| 19-2043 | Hydrologists |
| 19-4043 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians |
| 19-4044 | Hydrologic Technicians |
| 25-1051 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1052 | Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
- Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software.
- Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
- Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
- Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
- Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
Concentrations within Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Geology/Earth Science, GeneralCIP 40.0601
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the earth; the forces acting upon it; and the behavior of the solids, liquids and gases comprising it
- GeochemistryCIP 40.0602
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemical properties and behavior of the silicates and other substances forming, and formed by geomorphological processes of the earth and other pl
- Geophysics and SeismologyCIP 40.0603
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and its application to the study of the earth and other planets
- PaleontologyCIP 40.0604
A program that focuses on the scientific study of extinct life forms and associated fossil remains, and the reconstruction and analysis of ancient life forms, ecosystems, and geologic processes
- Hydrology and Water Resources ScienceCIP 40.0605
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the occurrence, circulation, distribution, chemical and physical properties, and environmental interaction of surface and subsurface waters, including
- Geochemistry and PetrologyCIP 40.0606
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes within the earth and the mineral, fluid, rock, and ore deposits resulting from them
- Oceanography, Chemical and PhysicalCIP 40.0607
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemical components, mechanisms, structure, and movement of ocean waters and their interaction with terrestrial and atmospheric phenomena
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, OtherCIP 40.0699
Any instructional program in geological and related sciences not listed above.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program?+
The program focuses on studying the Earth's structure, composition, and processes.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and data analysis.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.2%.
What is the median wage for professionals in this field?+
The median wage is $99,240.
How much do Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates earn?+
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates report median earnings of $40,371 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers occupation pays about $116,150 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences?+
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences maps to CIP 40.06 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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