Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree

Badge for BEST FOR EARTH SCIENCES LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

The best earth sciences liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best earth sciences degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding earth sciences faculty.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Earth Sciences Programs

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  1. Pomona College
  2. Middlebury College
  3. Swarthmore College
  4. Amherst College
  5. Williams College
  6. Bowdoin College
  7. Claremont McKenna College
  8. Wellesley College
  9. United States Naval Academy
  10. Colgate University
  1. Amherst College
  2. Oberlin College
  3. Williams College
  4. Swarthmore College
  5. Wellesley College
  6. Vassar College
  7. United States Naval Academy
  8. Bowdoin College
  9. Haverford College
  10. Pomona College
  1. Oberlin College 35%
  2. Bucknell University 33%
  3. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 30%
  4. Macalester College 28%
  5. Scripps College 28%
  6. United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
  7. Vassar College 19%
  8. Pitzer College 18%
  9. Washington and Lee University 17%
  10. Carleton College 17%
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 20 to 1
  2. Colorado College 10 to 1
  3. Pitzer College 10 to 1
  4. Macalester College 10 to 1
  5. Scripps College 10 to 1
  6. Colby College 10 to 1
  7. Bates College 10 to 1
  8. Hamilton College 9 to 1
  9. Bucknell University 9 to 1
  10. Bowdoin College 9 to 1
  1. Colorado College $65,028
  2. Vassar College $64,800
  3. Colgate University $64,290
  4. Amherst College $64,100
  5. Haverford College $63,628
  6. Colby College $63,520
  7. Hamilton College $62,670
  8. Carleton College $62,634
  9. Macalester College $62,500
  10. Middlebury College $62,460
  1. Claremont McKenna College $65,574
  2. Colgate University $63,904
  3. Vassar College $63,840
  4. Williams College $61,775
  5. Scripps College $48,598
  6. Oberlin College $29,692
  7. Colorado College $27,600
  8. Bucknell University $26,960
  9. Middlebury College $14,550
  10. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $7,176
  1. Scripps College
  2. Bucknell University
  3. Oberlin College
  4. Hamilton College
  5. Washington and Lee University
  6. Haverford College
  7. Colby College
  8. Vassar College
  9. Bates College
  10. Macalester College
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy
  3. Scripps College
  4. Pitzer College
  5. Macalester College
  6. Claremont McKenna College
  7. Bucknell University
  8. Colorado College
  9. Colby College
  10. Hamilton College
  1. Pomona College 7%
  2. Swarthmore College 7%
  3. Amherst College 7%
  4. Williams College 8%
  5. Colby College 8%
  6. Bowdoin College 9%
  7. Claremont McKenna College 10%
  8. United States Naval Academy 11%
  9. Hamilton College 12%
  10. Colgate University 12%
  1. Williams College 6 to 1
  2. Amherst College 7 to 1
  3. United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
  4. Pomona College 7 to 1
  5. Washington and Lee University 7 to 1
  6. Vassar College 7 to 1
  7. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  8. Swarthmore College 8 to 1
  9. Carleton College 8 to 1
  10. Claremont McKenna College 8 to 1
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $5,742
  2. Pomona College $59,238
  3. Swarthmore College $59,328
  4. Pitzer College $60,578
  5. Scripps College $60,712
  6. Claremont McKenna College $60,715
  7. Bates College $61,066
  8. Bowdoin College $61,528
  9. Bucknell University $61,746
  10. Washington and Lee University $61,750
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $7,176
  2. Middlebury College $14,550
  3. Bucknell University $26,960
  4. Colorado College $27,600
  5. Oberlin College $29,692
  6. Scripps College $48,598
  7. Williams College $61,775
  8. Vassar College $63,840
  9. Colgate University $63,904
  10. Claremont McKenna College $65,574

Key Takeaways

  • Earth science is a broad field, but this is a great major, especially for those who dream of making a positive impact. The versatility of this major allows students to contribute to the advances in alternative energies, sustainability, agriculture, environmental conservation, and food production, among others.
  • There are different specialties within Earth science, and most likely, students will complete a set of core courses in STEM-related subject areas. Aside from the highly specialized electives, students should also take common courses to supplement their knowledge in the field.
  • Because of the many fields of specialization within Earth science, students also have a wide selection of career paths.

A bachelor’s degree in earth sciences is an excellent starting point for a career in meteorology, environmental conservation, renewable energy, and many other innovative fields. As an earth sciences major, you’ll study the Earth, its atmosphere, the materials and substances that compose them, and the processes that produce weather patterns, climate shifts, geological events, and more.

Your earth sciences degree will incorporate four primary sub-disciplines—geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy, as well as foundational courses in subjects such as mineralogy, climatology, hydrology, paleontology, agriculture, conservation, and preservation.

The best schools for earth sciences are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of earth sciences concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Bottom Line: Earth science is a very broad field that has numerous concentrations. Earning a degree in Earth science from a liberal arts college can open a number of career opportunities for graduates.

Woman in the forest watching the sky

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Earth Science Bachelor’s Degrees

Scientific careers tend to involve specialized, challenging, and well-paying jobs, and earth sciences is no different. Whether as an environmental scientist, geologist, or atmospheric scientist, landing a job in a branch of earth sciences can lead to a big paycheck.

Whether studying minerals, crystals, and magma deep within the Earth, or measuring patterns of atmospheric change, earth science majors lead interesting careers full of discovery, investigation, and problem-solving opportunities. Today, top influencers in earth sciences are bringing new light to volcanology, climate change, sustainability, and much more.

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Earth sciences is a great major if you aspire to positively impact the earth and environment. This versatile degree gives you the opportunity to contribute to advances in sustainability, alternative energies, environmental conservation, agriculture, food production, and more. Your degree in earth sciences could put you in a position to produce findings, technology and innovations that could solve some of the world’s greatest challenges from global hunger to climate change.

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Once you’ve declared your major in earth sciences, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized earth sciences electives, there are several common courses that most earth sciences majors will be required to take, including:

  • Earth Materials
  • Earth Processes
  • Earth Climate and History
  • Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Climatology
  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Atmospheric Thermodynamics
  • Sedimentation and Tectonics
  • Atmospheric Instrumentation
  • Hydrology

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With such a wide range of specialization options, earth science majors have an equally wide selection of career paths. Keep in mind, your major specialization largely determines your professional specialization, so if, for instance, you want to work as a geologist, we would recommend specializing in geology; if you plan to become a climate scientiest, specialize in meteorology. With the right focus, your earth sciences major can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including these top jobs:

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Related: How to Major in Earth Sciences

Earth scientists are professionals who study natural hazards, groundwater, climate, and environmental change, oceans, lakes, volcanoes, earthquakes, minerals, fossils, tectonics, sediments, rocks, and soils—basically the Earth itself. These scientists explore and study the active processes on our planet from its origin to today.

The Branches of Earth Science

There are numerous concentrations within the field of Earth science, but generally speaking, all branches of earth science are connected. Here are some of the major branches of Earth science.

Geology

Also known as Earth science or geoscience, geology studies the structure, dynamics, and evolution of the Earth and its natural energy and mineral resources. This field explores the means that shaped the Earth some 4500 million years ago.

Oceanography

This field applies geology, chemistry, biology, meteorology, and other sciences to study the ocean. This field is especially important today as pollution, climate change, and other factors threaten the ocean and its marine life. There are many branches of oceanography, including:

  • Physical oceanography studies water movements like ocean currents and waves
  • Marine geology studies structures and solid earth rocks in ocean basins
  • Chemical oceanography studies the natural elements in the ocean and is concerned with where carbon dioxide goes into the oceans

Meteorology and Climatology

Contrary to popular belief, meteorologists do not study meteors—but the atmosphere, the thin layer of gas surrounding the Earth. Meteorology includes the study of clouds, weather patterns, tornadoes, and hurricanes. With the use of satellites and radars, meteorologists work on forecasting or predicting the weather. Climatologists also study the Earth’s atmosphere and how climate will change in response to global warming.

Environmental Science

Environmental scientists study people’s effects on the environment, including landscape, water, atmosphere, and living things. Those seeking to pursue careers in this field ask questions about how Earth’s systems are changing because of human actions and predict what changes will come in the future.

Astronomy

It is the study of outer space and other physical bodies beyond Earth. Astronomers usually use a telescope to see things far beyond what our human eye can see. These professionals help design satellites or spacecraft that travel into space and send information about faraway places.

Reasons to Study Earth Science at a Liberal Arts College

There are many reasons to dive into the broad field of Earth science, but here are some of the top reasons:

  • If you love doing experiments in laboratories, Earth science provides you with a lot of opportunities to gain hands-on experience working on real-life challenges.
  • If you love science of all kinds, obtaining a degree in earth science allows you to further hone and complement your knowledge in chemistry, physics, biology, and math with that of geology and mineralogy.
  • If you love the outdoors, studying earth science allows you to do fieldwork in the environment you enjoy.
Person using a telescope

What courses will I take as an Earth sciences major at a liberal arts college?

Earth science is a general term for various science fields that relate to the planet Earth. It is simply a branch of planetary science. Think of it as the ‘owner’s manual’ for the planet.

In classes in Earth science, you will generally learn the nature of science and its application to Earth processes. You will learn about how the different parts of the Earth are interrelated.

Topics for classes in Earth science include:

  • Rocks and minerals
  • Earthquakes and faults
  • Plate tectonics
  • Landslides
  • Volcanoes
  • Floods and other natural disasters
  • Natural resources and ore deposits
  • Coasts and oceans
  • The weather and the atmosphere
  • The Earth’s climate and climate change
  • The Earth’s place in the solar system and the universe

Key Point: Earning a degree in Earth science at a liberal arts college will also mean that you will be taking classes that will broaden your scope of learning. Students don’t focus only on STEM courses, but liberal arts courses as well.

Earth science classes are not dry and boring at all! They are filled with theoretical data. Instead, you will be learning more about what is surrounding you and what is affecting you—from the latest pollution to earthquakes and even the gas price.

Students also use geography, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and chronology tools to understand how the Earth system works and evolves.

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in earth sciences.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree

  1. #1

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $40,830
    Salary after 4 years: $67,076
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pomona College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Geology

    Pomona College Earth Sciences Major Concentrations:

    • General
    • Environmental Earth Science
    • Earth, Planetary and Space Science
    • Geochemistry
    • Public Policy
    Source
  2. #2

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $37,977
    Salary after 4 years: $62,390
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Middlebury College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environmental Studies
    • Geology
    Source
  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $36,974
    Salary after 4 years: $60,742
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Swarthmore College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Environmental Studies
    Source
  4. #4

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $43,999
    Salary after 4 years: $72,283
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Amherst College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environmental Studies
    • Geology
    Source
  5. Two men studying rocks

  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $47,432
    Salary after 4 years: $77,923
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Williams College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Geosciences
    Source
  7. #6

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $43,999
    Salary after 4 years: $72,283
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bowdoin College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Earth and Oceanographic Science
    Source
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $49,228
    Salary after 4 years: $80,873
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Claremont McKenna College Interdisciplinary Earth Sciences Major Concentrations:

    • Environment, Economics & Politics (EEP)
    • Economics-Engineering
    • Neuroscience (Behavioral, Cognitive, and Philosophy Tracks)
    • Science Management (Natural Science Tracks)
    Source
  9. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $37,924
    Salary after 4 years: $62,304
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Wellesley College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Geosciences
    Source
  10. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/28

    USNA Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Oceanography
    • Polar Science & Technology
    Source
    Source
  11. #10

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $42,837
    Salary after 4 years: $70,374
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colgate University Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Geology
    • Environmental Geology
    Source
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    Cost of Degree: $10,319
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $55,986
    Salary after 4 years: $77,012
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cal Poly Earth Sciences Majors:

    • BS in Environmental Earth & Soil Sciences
    • BS in Environmental Management & Protection
    • BS in Forest & Fire Sciences
    Source
  13. #12

    Colorado College

    Colorado Springs , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Colorado College

    Cost of Degree: $65,028
    Expenses: $18,200
    Starting Salary: $26,357
    Salary after 4 years: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colorado College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Geology
    • Environmental Studies
    Source
  14. #13

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $35,864
    Salary after 4 years: $58,920
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Carleton College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Geology
    Source
  15. #14

    Pitzer College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Pitzer College

    Cost of Degree: $60,578
    Expenses: $22,254
    Starting Salary: $27,202
    Salary after 4 years: $44,689
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pitzer College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Environmental Analysis

    Pitzer College Earth Sciences Major Tracks:

    • Environment and Society
    • Environmental Policy
    • Sustainability and the Built Environment
    • Environmental Science
    Source
  16. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    24%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1262/28

    What is United States Coast Guard Academy known for?

    United States Coast Guard Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USCGA Earth Sciences Major:

    • Marine and Environmental Sciences

    USCGA Earth Sciences Major Specializations:

    • Environmental Science
    • Marine Science
    • Marine Environmental Physics
    Source
  17. Woman with glasses studying plants outside
  18. #16

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Macalester College

    Cost of Degree: $62,500
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $29,473
    Salary after 4 years: $48,420
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Macalester College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environmental Studies
    • Geology
    Source
  19. #18

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $32,484
    Salary after 4 years: $53,366
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vasser College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Earth Science
    • Geography
    Source
  20. #19

    Colby College

    Waterville , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Colby College

    Cost of Degree: $63,520
    Expenses: $18,030
    Starting Salary: $37,502
    Salary after 4 years: $61,610
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colby College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environmental Studies
    • Geology
    Source
  21. #20

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $39,667
    Salary after 4 years: $65,167
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Haverford College Earth Sciences Major:

    • Environmental Studies
    Source
  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1471/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Washington and Lee University

    Cost of Degree: $61,750
    Expenses: $21,240
    Starting Salary: $49,281
    Salary after 4 years: $80,960
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    W&L Earth Sciences Majors:

    • BA or BS in Geology
    Source
  23. #22

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1480/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Hamilton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,670
    Expenses: $17,710
    Starting Salary: $39,245
    Salary after 4 years: $64,473
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Hamilton College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environmental Studies
    • Geoarchaeology
    • Geosciences
    Source
  24. #23

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $24,033
    Salary after 4 years: $39,482
    Cost Recoup Time: 24 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Oberlin College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Geology
    • Environmental Studies
    Source
  25. #24

    Bucknell University

    Lewisburg , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    33%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1390/31

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Bucknell University

    Cost of Degree: $61,746
    Expenses: $18,424
    Starting Salary: $43,523
    Salary after 4 years: $71,502
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bucknell University Earth Sciences Majors:

    • BA or BS in Geology
    • BA or BS in Environmental Geosciences
    Source
  26. #25

    Scripps College

    Claremont , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/33

    Career Outlook for Earth Sciences degree at Scripps College

    Cost of Degree: $60,712
    Expenses: $22,618
    Starting Salary: $32,642
    Salary after 4 years: $53,626
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Scripps College Earth Sciences Majors:

    • Environment, Economics, and Politics
    • Environmental Analysis
    Source

Career Outlook for Students with Earth Sciences Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Geology/Earth Science

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,004
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,194
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $38,148
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $52,475
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
  • Job Growth: 4.43%
  • Number of Jobs: 142,200
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers4.87%$122,066
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary3.68%$97,456
Hydrologists1.52%$90,359
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers4.94%$87,973
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary3.48%$84,717

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$60,667$95,336$146,806

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Oklahoma13% higher than average$106,704
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$103,740
#4 Texas10% higher than average$104,508
#5 North Carolina11% higher than average$99,516
#6 Tennessee14% higher than average$93,255

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers$122,066
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$97,456
Hydrologists$90,359

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences programs

The Best Earth Sciences Schools in Your State

Go to the best earth sciences schools in Alabama! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Alaska! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Arizona! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Arkansas! Go to the best earth sciences schools in California! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Colorado! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Connecticut! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Delaware! Go to the best earth sciences schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Florida! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Georgia! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Hawaii! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Idaho! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Illinois! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Indiana! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Iowa! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Kansas! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Kentucky! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Louisiana! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Maine! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Maryland! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Michigan! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Minnesota! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Mississippi! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Missouri! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Montana! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Nebraska! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Nevada! Go to the best earth sciences schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best earth sciences schools in New Jersey! Go to the best earth sciences schools in New Mexico! Go to the best earth sciences schools in New York! Go to the best earth sciences schools in North Carolina! Go to the best earth sciences schools in North Dakota! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Ohio! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Oregon! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best earth sciences schools in South Carolina! Go to the best earth sciences schools in South Dakota! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Tennessee! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Texas! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Utah! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Vermont! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Virginia! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Washington! Go to the best earth sciences schools in West Virginia! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best earth sciences schools in Wyoming!
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