2026 Best Geological And Earth Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Geological And Earth Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 597 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Geological And Earth Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 Geological And Earth Sciences school in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read the full report on Stanford University
The strong Geological And Earth Sciences programs at Northwestern University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. See the full Northwestern University profile
Out of the 597 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #3 spot. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $16,487. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
University Of Houston came in at #4 on this year's Geological And Earth Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of Chicago came in at #5 on this year's Geological And Earth Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,837 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Wyoming did well this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. University Of Wyoming graduates 59% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $23,700 in debt. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of California Berkeley landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Delaware came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $24,861. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Texas A And M University Kingsville graduates 42% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
Cornell University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. See the full Cornell University profile
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $19,375 in debt. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Colorado State University Fort Collins posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $26,028 in debt. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
California State University Long Beach did well this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. California State University Long Beach graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $25,000. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
University Of Arizona ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. University Of Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. University Of Arizona Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #20 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $21,700. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Michigan State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. About 81% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $29,869 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Temple University did well this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Read more about Temple University
Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. More on Johns Hopkins University
University Of California Santa Barbara did well this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $21,800 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #25 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Colorado School Of Mines graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $24,521. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Geological And Earth Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #27 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
California State University Sacramento came in at #28 in this year's ranking. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
Baylor University placed #29 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Baylor University graduates 80% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read the full report on Baylor University
West Virginia University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. West Virginia University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. West Virginia University Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. See the full West Virginia University profile
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #31 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $16,000 in debt. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $19,500. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $17,875 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Texas Tech University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of California Davis landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $16,416 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Illinois State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. Read more about Illinois State University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $25,234. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #38 in this year's ranking. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $26,000. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. University Of Colorado Boulder posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of Florida placed #40 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $24,757. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Louisiana Lafayette placed #41 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. About 53% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,146. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $24,373. Read the full report on University Of Louisiana Lafayette
University Of Rochester ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $67,080 in tuition and fees. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $21,517. Get the full University Of Rochester report
Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $26,000. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $24,975 in debt. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
University Of Iowa ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Georgia placed #46 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Geological And Earth Sciences program debt is $21,792. More on University Of Georgia
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. Indiana University Bloomington posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. More on Indiana University Bloomington
George Mason University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical Geological And Earth Sciences student debt is $23,529. See the full George Mason University profile
Boston University placed #49 among Geological And Earth Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete their Geological And Earth Sciences program here. Get the full Boston University report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Geological And Earth Sciences schools. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Geological And Earth Sciences students take on a median of $16,298 in debt. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
Related Geological And Earth Sciences Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Geological And Earth Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 597 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.