50 Best Colleges for Geology Majors 2024

Best Colleges for Geology Majors

It’s a fascinating subject that helps us understand our planet. Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its materials, and the processes that shape it over time. It involves the examination of rocks, minerals, fossils, and other physical features to understand the Earth’s history, structure, and the dynamics of its surface and interior. Geology plays a crucial role in natural resource management, environmental protection, and understanding natural hazards. It provides insights into Earth’s history and helps predict future geological events, contributing to safer and more sustainable practices in mining, construction, and land use. Here are the 50 best colleges for geology majors in 2024. Best Colleges for Geology Majors listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

50 Best Colleges for Geology Majors

1) Stanford University

  • GPA: 3.96
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in research or oil companies.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research opportunities and top professors.

2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1530
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: High GPA, top SAT/ACT scores, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in environmental consulting.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $75,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Cutting-edge research and strong industry connections.

3) Harvard University

  • GPA: 4.18
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, extracurriculars.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many work in academia or government agencies.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $72,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Access to world-class research facilities.

4) California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

  • GPA: 3.97
  • Median SAT: 1550
  • Median ACT: 36
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, excellent SAT/ACT, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in space agencies.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $80,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned for its strong emphasis on research.

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5) University of California, Berkeley

  • GPA: 3.89
  • Median SAT: 1420
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental firms.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong fieldwork and research opportunities.

6) Princeton University

  • GPA: 3.93
  • Median SAT: 1490
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many work in government and research institutes.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Focus on interdisciplinary research.

7) University of Chicago

  • GPA: 4.21
  • Median SAT: 1520
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: High GPA, top SAT/ACT scores, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in energy and resource management.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $73,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research programs and fieldwork opportunities.

8) Columbia University

  • GPA: 3.91
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in environmental policy.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $72,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent urban geology and research opportunities.

9) Yale University

  • GPA: 4.12
  • Median SAT: 1510
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in academia and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and field studies.

10) University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)

  • GPA: 3.88
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in consulting and government agencies.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on environmental geology.

11) Cornell University

  • GPA: 3.92
  • Median SAT: 1470
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent fieldwork and research opportunities.

12) University of Texas at Austin

  • GPA: 3.75
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in the oil and gas industries.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong ties with the energy sector.

13) Duke University

  • GPA: 3.94
  • Median SAT: 1490
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in research and academia.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $69,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research facilities and programs.

14) Northwestern University

  • GPA: 3.91
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong focus on research and practical applications.

15) University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  • GPA: 3.87
  • Median SAT: 1420
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork opportunities.

16) Brown University

  • GPA: 3.94
  • Median SAT: 1470
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Many graduates work in research and academia.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research opportunities and facilities.

17) Johns Hopkins University

  • GPA: 3.92
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in health and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research programs and fieldwork opportunities.

18) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  • GPA: 3.88
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and field studies programs.

19) University of Washington

  • GPA: 3.78
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent fieldwork and research opportunities.

20) University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

  • GPA: 3.82
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in marine geology and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong marine geology program and research.

21) University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • GPA: 3.85
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and field studies programs.

22) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • GPA: 3.84
  • Median SAT: 1340
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

23) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • GPA: 3.86
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

24) Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

  • GPA: 3.80
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in energy and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong ties with the energy sector.

25) University of Colorado Boulder

  • GPA: 3.76
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in geoscience and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

26) Rice University

  • GPA: 3.93
  • Median SAT: 1510
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: High GPA, strong SAT/ACT, essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research and academia.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $71,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research programs and field studies.

27) University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

  • GPA: 3.78
  • Median SAT: 1340
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 29%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork opportunities.

28) University of Florida

  • GPA: 3.79
  • Median SAT: 1340
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

29) University of Minnesota Twin Cities

  • GPA: 3.75
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in geoscience and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

30) Ohio State University

  • GPA: 3.76
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

31) University of Arizona

  • GPA: 3.73
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in geoscience and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong ties with the mining industry.

32) Texas A&M University

  • GPA: 3.76
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in the oil and gas industries.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong ties with the energy sector.

33) University of Maryland, College Park

  • GPA: 3.80
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

34) University of Virginia

  • GPA: 3.85
  • Median SAT: 1420
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

35) University of Southern California (USC)

  • GPA: 3.89
  • Median SAT: 1440
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 13%
  • Requirements: High GPA, good SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

36) University of Utah

  • GPA: 3.70
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

37) University of Pittsburgh

  • GPA: 3.75
  • Median SAT: 1310
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in geoscience and environmental fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork opportunities.

38) Indiana University Bloomington

  • GPA: 3.74
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

39) University of Kansas

  • GPA: 3.71
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

40) University of Connecticut

  • GPA: 3.77
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various environmental sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

41) University of Delaware

  • GPA: 3.76
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

42) University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • GPA: 3.74
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

43) Michigan State University

  • GPA: 3.70
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

44) University of Missouri

  • GPA: 3.68
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

45) University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  • GPA: 3.72
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

46) University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • GPA: 3.71
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

47) University of Oklahoma

  • GPA: 3.70
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

48) University of New Mexico

  • GPA: 3.65
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

49) University of South Carolina

  • GPA: 3.67
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various geoscience sectors.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Excellent research and fieldwork opportunities.

50) University of Alabama

  • GPA: 3.68
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Requirements: Good GPA, decent SAT/ACT, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental and geoscience fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong research and fieldwork programs.

Best university for geology – Conclusion

The top 50 colleges for geology majors in 2024 offer diverse opportunities for students interested in studying the Earth. With strong academic programs, research facilities, and fieldwork experiences, these institutions prepare graduates for successful careers in various sectors such as research, environmental consulting, and the energy industry. By meeting the academic requirements and taking advantage of the resources these colleges provide, students can look forward to promising professional outcomes and competitive starting salaries in the geosciences field.