collageGeological & Earth Sciences is a popular major and Pennsylvania is the 3rd most popular state for students studying this major. 646 of the 9,418 Geological & Earth Sciences degrees awarded last year were given by schools in Pennsylvania. With so many choices it can be difficult finding the best choice. This year’s Best Colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences in Pennsylvania ranking analyzed 7 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in geological and earth sciences. We look at over 20 factors to determine the top 15% of colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences students in Pennsylvania.
Choosing a Great Geological & Earth Sciences School
The geology program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality geology program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
Quality Overall is Important
The overall quality of a school is important to ensure a good education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To account for this we consider a school’s overall Best Colleges ranking which itself looks at a host of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.
Graduates Earn More After College
A geological and earth sciences degree from colleges on this list usually results in above average income after graduation. Recent geological and earth sciences graduates from Pennsylvania colleges with a bachelors degree earned an average of $34,133 in 2017-2018.
Other Factors We Consider
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
- Major Focus – How much a school focuses on Geological & Earth Sciences students vs. other majors.
- Major Popularity – How many other geological and earth sciences students choose this school.
- Accreditation – Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or a recognized geological and earth sciences related accrediting body.
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for Geological & Earth Sciences students in Pennsylvania.
Best Schools to Study Geological & Earth Sciences in Pennsylvania
The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for a Geological & Earth Sciences degree.
Best Geology Colleges in Pennsylvania
#1
Pennsylvania State University – University Park
University Park, PA$44,400MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
It’s difficult to beat Pennsylvania State University – University Park if you wish to study geological and earth sciences. Located in the city University Park, Penn State University Park is a public school with a very large student population.
Geological & Earth Sciences students from Pennsylvania State University – University Park get a earnings boost of approximately $10,829 over the typical earnings of geological and earth sciences graduates.
#2
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA$28,500MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Any student who is interested in geological and earth sciences needs to check out University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus. Located in the large city Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public college with a very large student population.
Soon after graduation, geology students typically earn an average of $28,500 in their early careers.
#3
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA$32,800MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is one of the best schools in the country for geological and earth sciences. Located in the suburb West Chester, WCUPA is a public college with a large student population.
Graduates of the geology program state that they receive average early career income of $32,800
#4
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA$32,600MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a good decision for students interested in a Geological & Earth Sciences major. Located in the town Slippery Rock, SRU is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.
Graduates of the geology program make about $32,600 for their early career.
#5
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA$31,800MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the small city Bloomsburg, Bloomsburg is a public school with a moderately-sized student population.
After getting their bachelor’s degree, geology students usually make about $31,800 in their early careers.
#6
Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Main Campus
Indiana, PA$32,900MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
IUP is a fairly large public school located in the town of Indiana.
Graduates of the geology program earn around $32,900 in the first couple years of working.
#7
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA$32,000MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the town Edinboro, Edinboro is a public college with a small student population.
Graduates of the geology program make an average of $32,000 for their early career.
Best Geological & Earth Sciences Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 324 | 576 |
| Maryland | 275 | 103 |
| New Jersey | 264 | 119 |
| District of Columbia | 183 | 5 |
| Delaware | 163 | 14 |
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