2026 Best Value Geological & Earth Sciences Schools in Tennessee

1

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University tops our 2026 list of the best value geological & earth sciences schools in Tennessee. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $31,256 in student loans. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $34,329 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Memphis
Memphis, TN

Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at University Of Memphis, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,315 in student loans. Geological & Earth Sciences graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $48,890 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

3

East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geological & earth sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $45,444. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Students looking for strong value in geological & earth sciences will find it at The University Of Tennessee, which ranked #4. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Soon after graduation, geological & earth sciences degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $30,101. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vanderbilt University earned it the #5 place for geological & earth sciences. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete the geological & earth sciences program here. Early-career geological & earth sciences graduates make about $77,997. Set against $13,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%.