Compare 170 Geochemistry. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $45,389. Top programs: $69,558+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Geochemistry tells a different story. Across 170 programs, earnings range from $58,438 to $69,558—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. This $11K spread proves that program-level evaluation matters more than institutional prestige.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus leads with Geochemistry graduates earning $69,558, well above the $45,389 average. The top three programs—Penn State, UC Berkeley ($68,030), and UC Davis ($67,743)—demonstrate how specific program strength drives outcomes. These results challenge assumptions about which schools excel in earth sciences.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow just $11,069 and face a 3.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their $62,441 median salary, proving top value doesn't always come from the highest-earning programs.
Highest program earnings: $69,558
Strong outcomes with 80% acceptance rate
3.8% payment burden | Excellent
7.6% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $69,558 | 155 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $68,030 | 21 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $67,743 | 29 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $67,483 | 43 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $65,717 | 38 | $13,750 | Excellent | $16,538 | Good | |
| #6 | $65,131 | 18 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Good | |
| #7 | Florida State UniversityPublic | $63,830 | 7 | $18,000 | Excellent | $17,000 | Manageable |
| #8 | Union CollegePrivate | $63,040 | 6 | $25,337 | Good | $57,000 | High |
| #9 | Winona State UniversityPublic | $62,770 | 13 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,316 | Manageable |
| #10 | $62,670 | 8 | $21,983 | Excellent | $19,433 | Manageable | |
| #11 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $62,441 | 14 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #12 | $62,069 | 42 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #13 | University Of HoustonPublic | $61,840 | 50 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Manageable |
| #14 | Lehigh UniversityPrivate | $61,020 | 19 | $21,960 | Excellent | $42,245 | High |
| #15 | $60,021 | 13 | $17,750 | Excellent | $13,000 | Good | |
| #16 | $59,588 | 38 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $59,072 | 15 | $23,970 | Good | $15,047 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $59,008 | 29 | $23,250 | Good | $22,000 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $58,597 | 21 | $25,000 | Good | $23,528 | Challenging | |
| #20 | University At BuffaloPublic | $58,438 | 57 | $19,000 | Excellent | $20,734 | Manageable |
| #21 | Fort Lewis CollegePublic | $58,151 | 13 | $18,389 | Excellent | $21,062 | Manageable |
| #22 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $57,705 | 62 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Challenging |
| #23 | Lafayette CollegePrivate | $57,318 | 9 | $16,000 | Excellent | $59,000 | High |
| #24 | $57,317 | 52 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Manageable | |
| #25 | Pacific Lutheran UniversityPrivate | $57,152 | 14 | $22,578 | Good | $25,000 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
