2027 Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in Colorado

[Geology & Earth Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/geological-and-earth-sciences/geology-and-earth-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geology & earth sciences students.
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2027 Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools in Colorado
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geology & earth sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Geology & Earth Sciences Schools
Leading the list is University Of Northern Colorado, our #1 best value for geology & earth sciences in Colorado. Located in the city of Greeley, University Of Northern Colorado is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Northern Colorado generally make around $46,954. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #2 makes Colorado State University Fort Collins one of the best values for geology & earth sciences. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Typical student debt for geology & earth sciences graduates is $26,028. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $41,158. That is a strong return on a $26,028 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geology & earth sciences will find it at University Of Colorado Boulder, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geology & earth sciences degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $46,263. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Colorado School Of Mines came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value geology & earth sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Geology & Earth Sciences graduates of Colorado School Of Mines earn a median of $79,523 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Colorado College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geology & earth sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Colorado Springs, Colorado College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,734. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete the geology & earth sciences program here. Early-career geology & earth sciences graduates make about $37,342. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 18%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked 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 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.