Best Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools in California

California has 13 colleges offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 319 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $38,677 on average within two years — 9% above the national average of $35,482, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $55,512 while University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $25,194 — a $30,318 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

13
Schools in CA
$38,677
CA Avg. Earnings
$35,482
National Avg.
158
Schools Nationally

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$55,512
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $45,731
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 93.6%
#2
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$50,856
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,915
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 47.1%
#3
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$50,439
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.4%
#4
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$42,774
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.7%
#5
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,680
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 73.7%
#6
U

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,137
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 41.6%
#7
U

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,107
Graduates: 50
Acceptance: 62.5%
#8
C

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public

$37,208
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,227
Graduates: 37
Acceptance: 86.7%
#9
S

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.7%
#10
U

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,905
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 25.6%
#11
C

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public

$27,947
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,918
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 98.8%
#12
U

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public

$25,967
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,796
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 27.8%
#13
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,210
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 8.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in California?
California State University-Sacramento ranks #1 for Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences in California with median graduate earnings of $55,512 within two years of graduation. There are 13 schools offering Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in the state.
How much do Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates earn in California?
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences graduates in California earn an average of $38,677 within two years of graduation. This is 9% above the national average of $35,482 for this major.
What is the hardest Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences programs in the state is 65.5%.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.