2023 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia
Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Pricing
Finding the Best Geological & Earth Sciences School for You
With 144 degrees and certificates handed out in 2020-2021, geological and earth sciences is the #117 most popular major in Virginia.
It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia ranking. This report analyzed 5 schools in Virginia to see which ones offered the best value programs for geology students. The goal was to highlight schools with more affordable prices than others offering similar quality experiences.
Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.
In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.
Featured Geology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Gain the analytical, technical and science communications skills you need to begin your career with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
BS in Geosciences - Natural Resources Conservation
Learn to manage and conserve our natural resources with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Best Virginia Schools for Affordable Quality in Geological & Earth Sciences
Our analysis found Radford University to be the best value school for geological and earth sciences students who want to pursue a degree in Virginia. Radford is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Radford.
Radford undergraduate students pay an average of $11,542 in in-state tuition and fees each year.
Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Radford University
Request Information
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend James Madison University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia list. JMU is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg.
The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at JMU are $12,638 a year. On average, geology graduates from JMU take out $19,606 in student loans while working on their degree.
On top of its placing in our value ranking, JMU also did well on our Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia list. It’s in the top 10% of all schools reviewed in this analysis.
Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at James Madison University
Request Information
A rank of #3 on this year’s list means George Mason University is a great value for geological and earth sciences students. Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public school with a fairly large student population.
The average tuition and fees for an in-state undergraduate at GMU are $13,119 a year. The average amount in student loans that geology majors at GMU take out is $19,916.
GMU excels when it comes to quality. It’s ranked in the top 15% of all schools on our Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia list.
Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at George Mason University
Request Information
The excellent programs at Virginia Tech helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best geological and earth sciences schools in Virginia. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public college with a very large student population.
In-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Virginia Tech are $14,174 per year. While working on their degree, geology majors at Virginia Tech accumulate an average of around $30,062 in student debt.
Virginia Tech also made our Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia list, coming in at #3.
Full Geological & Earth Sciences at Virginia Tech Report
Request Information
The excellent programs at William & Mary helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best geological and earth sciences schools in Virginia. Located in the small suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
William & Mary undergraduate students pay an average of $23,812 in in-state tuition and fees each year.
William & Mary also made our Best Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Virginia list, coming in at #5.
Request InformationBest Value Geological & Earth Sciences Colleges in the Southeast Region
Explore all the Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in the Southeast Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Georgia | 92 |
| North Carolina | 263 |
| Florida | 221 |
| Tennessee | 189 |
| Kentucky | 44 |
| South Carolina | 64 |
| Louisiana | 141 |
| Arkansas | 45 |
| Alabama | 38 |
| Mississippi | 217 |
| West Virginia | 61 |
More Geological & Earth Sciences Rankings in Virginia
Geological & Earth Sciences Related Majors for Geology
Geological & Earth Sciences is one of 8 different types of programs to choose from.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 21,239 |
| Physics | 13,674 |
| General Physical Sciences | 3,823 |
| Astronomy & Astrophysics | 1,375 |
| Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology | 1,140 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 5 schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Kelvinsong.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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.
© 2025 Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.