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2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

22 Ranked Colleges
127 Degrees Awarded
$28,400 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 8,918 people earned their degree in geological and earth sciences, making the major the 84th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, geological and earth sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $35,533 and had an average of $23,531 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 1,684 geological and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $31,940 and $23,131 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 127 geological and earth sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking looked at 22 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in geological and earth sciences. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great geological and earth sciences programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the geological and earth sciences program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

The geology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k”.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 22 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Southeast Region

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. This large school is located in Gainesville, Florida, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UF, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full UF Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#5 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Vanderbilt University landed the #2 spot on the list. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s geology degrees to qualified students.

Vanderbilt also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #5. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624.

Full Vanderbilt University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
#4 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Chapel Hill also took the #4 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are $30,248.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill

#18 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Florida International University landed the #4 spot on the list. This large school is located in Miami, Florida, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

FIU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #18 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida International University are $24,211, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at FIU

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Tampa, Florida, and it awarded 15 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

USF Tampa also took the #13 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Florida - Main Campus are $21,126, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#6

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#8 in overall quality

Florida State University landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Florida State is a large school located in Tallahassee, Florida that handed out 4 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State are $26,707, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Florida State

#7

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
#7 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, University of Georgia did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UGA is located in Athens, Georgia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 doctorate’s geology degrees to qualified students.

UGA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UGA are $27,476.

Full University of Georgia Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#8

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
#14 in overall quality

West Virginia University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Morgantown, West Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s geology degrees to 6 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at WVU, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at WVU are $26,154, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full WVU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#9

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
#21 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, Florida Atlantic University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. FAU is a large public school situated in Boca Raton, Florida. It awarded 1 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

FAU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at FAU are $18,482, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full FAU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#10

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
#6 in overall quality

Virginia Tech landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Virginia Tech is a public institution located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Virginia Tech also took the #6 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Tech are $30,547.

Full Virginia Tech Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#1 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this large public school awarded 12 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s geology students in 2019-2020.

Louisiana State University also took the #1 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Louisiana State University are $29,970, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

#12

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#15 in overall quality

University of Kentucky came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Lexington, Kentucky is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s geology degrees to 3 students in 2019-2020.

UK also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #15. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UK are $33,216.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Kentucky

#13

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi
#16 in overall quality

With a ranking of #13, University of Southern Mississippi did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s geology degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, Southern Miss has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Southern Mississippi are $10,896, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at Southern Miss

#14

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
#16 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, University of Arkansas did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UARK is a public institution located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UARK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UARK are $22,121, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at University of Arkansas

#15

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, Mississippi
#10 in overall quality

Mississippi State University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Mississippi State is located in Mississippi State, Mississippi and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 doctorate’s geology degrees to qualified students.

Mississippi State also made our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #10. Average graduate tuition and fees at Mississippi State are $23,950, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Mississippi State University Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#16

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
#11 in overall quality

George Mason University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Fairfax, Virginia, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

GMU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at GMU are $37,410, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full GMU Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#17 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Knoxville not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville are $31,798, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#18

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
#19 in overall quality

University of Memphis came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s geology degrees in 2019-2020.

UofM also took the #19 spot in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Memphis are $14,202, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full UofM Geological & Earth Sciences Report

#19

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#9 in overall quality

University of South Carolina - Columbia came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UofSC is a public institution located in Columbia, South Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree geology students whose families make $30-$48k list, UofSC has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UofSC are $30,160.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at UofSC

#20

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama
#14 in overall quality

Auburn University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Auburn is located in Auburn, Alabama and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s geology degrees to qualified students.

Auburn not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Auburn University are $31,956.

Read full report on Geological & Earth Sciences at Auburn

#21

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#12 in overall quality

The University of Alabama ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. The University of Alabama is a public institution located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Alabama are $30,940, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Geological & Earth Sciences at The University of Alabama

#22

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
#3 in overall quality

University of Miami landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Geology Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution located in Coral Gables, Florida. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 7 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

U Miami not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Geological & Earth Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at U Miami are $40,220.

Full U Miami Geological & Earth Sciences Report

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Kelvinsong.

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