Best colleges for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in Washington
Ranked by graduate earnings
Western Washington University, Washington State University and University of Washington-Seattle Campus are the top bachelor's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in Washington by graduate earnings. Western Washington University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,802, College Scorecard. Washington State University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus and Western Washington University award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees in Washington: 128, 90 and 51 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 8 Washington colleges offer Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences and award 373 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 3 bachelor's programs, 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 | Western Washington University Bellingham Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,802 | 51 | 65% | — | $26,158 |
| 2 | Washington State University Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,178 | 128 | 60% | — | $22,905 |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,724 | 90 | 85% | — | $20,500 |
Colleges awarding the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees in Washington
Top 8 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, 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 | Washington State University Pullman Public | 128 | $33,178 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public | 90 | $29,724* |
| 3 | Western Washington University Bellingham Public | 51 | $36,802 |
| 4 | Eastern Washington University Cheney Public | 38 | Not reported |
| 5 | Central Washington University Ellensburg Public | 30 | Not reported |
| 6 | Whitman College Walla Walla Private not-for-profit | 21 | Not reported |
| 7 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell Public | 8 | $29,724* |
| 8 | Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma Private not-for-profit | 7 | 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 Washington
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in Washington.
Which Washington colleges award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees?+
Washington State University (128 graduates a year), University of Washington-Seattle Campus (90 graduates a year) and Western Washington University (51 graduates a year) award the most Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences degrees in Washington, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 8 Washington colleges offer Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
What is the best college for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in Washington?+
By graduate earnings, Western Washington University leads among bachelor's Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in Washington, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $36,802, College Scorecard. Washington State University and University of Washington-Seattle Campus follow. By degrees awarded, Washington State University is the largest, with 128 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Western Washington University tops the list at $36,802. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers earn in Washington?+
The average annual wage for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in Washington is $117,140 (median $105,020), across about 840 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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