Best colleges for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences by graduate earnings are Pennsylvania State University ($53,908), University of Houston-Downtown ($50,894) and College of Charleston ($49,786), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $53,908, 85 graduates a year
- University of Houston-Downtown (Houston, TX): $50,894, 21 graduates a year
- College of Charleston (Charleston, SC): $49,786, 36 graduates a year
- Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX): $49,727, 26 graduates a year
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT): $49,446, 37 graduates a year
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 median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $40,371 (College Scorecard, 2019), 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 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,908 | 85 | 86% | — | $26,000 |
| 2 | University of Houston-Downtown Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,894 | 21 | 33% | — | $20,250 |
| 3 | College of Charleston Charleston, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,786 | 36 | 66% | — | $26,500 |
| 4 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,727 | 26 | 69% | — | $25,750 |
| 5 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,446 | 37 | 65% | — | — |
| 6 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,406 | 22 | 68% | — | $19,375 |
| 7 | University of South Florida Tampa, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,565 | 44 | 77% | — | $24,002 |
| 8 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,489 | 30 | 86% | — | $15,000 |
| 9 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,118 | 24 | 80% | — | $22,375 |
| 10 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,045 | 30 | 84% | — | $24,830 |
| 11 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,263 | 40 | 74% | — | $25,000 |
| 12 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,974 | 80 | 93% | — | $17,875 |
| 13 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WY Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,758 | 37 | 59% | — | $23,700 |
| 14 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,825 | 39 | 85% | — | $21,700 |
| 15 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,585 | 134 | 84% | — | $20,837 |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,207 | 23 | 64% | — | $21,000 |
| 17 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,985 | 25 | 65% | — | $25,000 |
| 18 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,462 | 46 | 86% | — | $16,416 |
| 19 | Fort Hays State University Hays, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,421 | 34 | 48% | — | $23,875 |
| 20 | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,362 | 58 | 75% | — | $20,833 |
| 21 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,112 | 38 | 54% | — | $29,725 |
| 22 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,068 | 29 | 90% | — | $25,000 |
| 23 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,779 | 29 | 53% | — | $18,969 |
| 24 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,528 | 23 | 61% | — | $22,000 |
| 25 | Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,298 | 160 | 67% | — | $26,286 |
Specializations within Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
7 of the 8 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 40.06 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Geology/CIP 40.0601
Earth Science 5,615 graduates / yr433 institutions51 states - Geological and Earth Sciences/CIP 40.0699
Geosciences 946 graduates / yr87 institutions38 states - OceanographyCIP 40.0607534 graduates / yr35 institutions20 states
- Hydrology and Water Resources ScienceCIP 40.0605206 graduates / yr38 institutions26 states
- Geophysics and SeismologyCIP 40.0603169 graduates / yr32 institutions17 states
- GeochemistryCIP 40.0602partial data24 graduates / yr8 institutions6 states
- PaleontologyCIP 40.0604partial data21 graduates / yr5 institutions5 states
Show all 8 codes (1 with no U.S. programs reported)+
- Geochemistry and Petrology40.0606
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
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.
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 one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $40,371, College Scorecard (2019); 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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