10 Most Affordable Online Geosciences Degrees 2025

Online bachelor's programs in geoscience are popular choices for aspiring geologists, hydrologists, paleontologists, and beyond who want to earn their degree without commuting to campus. Fortunately, schools across the U.S. offer accredited online programs ?many with affordable tuition. If you're ready to pursue a budget-friendly geoscience degree virtually, keep reading. Below, we'll highlight some of the nation's best low-cost online geoscience programs.

What Is an Online Geosciences Degree?

An online geoscience degree for undergraduate students teaches Earth science by examining the planet's history, physical characteristics, and processes. These programs pull from several disciplines, including environmental science, hydrology, and geophysics, to prepare online students for roles in the geosciences field. While online degrees explore similar coursework as in-person programs, classes don't require students to meet face-to-face as they are delivered online.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Geosciences Cost?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in geoscience depends on the school you attend and factors like your enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), where you live (in-state vs. out-of-state), and what financial aid (scholarships, grants, etc.) you qualify for. While you might encounter a range of tuition costs, it's easy to find affordable geoscience programs. Some are available at schools like North Carolina Central University and Indiana University Southeast, which cost less than $300 per credit hour.

Cheapest Online Geosciences Degrees

Are you seeking affordable online geosciences degrees to help you start your career? Review the list below to find some of the cheapest programs in the U.S.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in science education is an online, competency-based program designed for students interested in teaching geosciences in middle schools and high schools. Enrollees explore numerous geoscience concepts, including meteorology, environmental science, and geology, and learn key teaching strategies.

Clinical experience and student teaching are offered through this program, helping learners secure educator licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,825 per six-month term
• Financial aid: Federal student aid, veterans benefits, and scholarships help students reduce the cost of a WGU degree.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. University of Florida

At the University of Florida, aspiring geochemists, hydrogeologists, and oceanographers can grow their knowledge of these fields in the online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in geology program. To help students prepare for these roles, this geology degree offers coursework in mineralogy, historical geology, the geology of Florida, and more.

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a 2.5 GPA. Recent high school graduates also need to submit standardized test scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $111.92 per credit hour (in-state); $500 per credit hour (out of state)
• Financial aid: Enrollees can apply for federal, state, and institutional aid to make their degrees more affordable.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. North Carolina Central University

Students interested in an environmental geoscience degree that trains for roles, such as the geographic information science (GIS)/mapping technician or water resource manager, can find a great option at North Carolina Central University. The online BS in environmental and geographic science with a concentration in geoscience teaches oceanography, geographic info systems, climatology, and more, while providing mapping field trips for real-world experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $185 per credit hour (in-state); $727.67 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Federal student aid and scholarships help students lower the cost of tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers several bachelor's programs for students seeking geosciences careers. They include:

• BS in geosciences with an emphasis in either geology or geography
• BS in geosciences with an emphasis in applied geology
• BA in environmental geosciences

Each geosciences program offers fully online coursework and requires learners to complete general education, geoscience, and elective courses. BS students may need to take specific applied technology courses, while BA students may be required to meet a foreign language requirement.

• Estimated tuition cost: $265.05 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use grants, scholarships, and loans as well as employment funding from the university, federal, state, and private sources to save.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Indiana University Southeast

The BA in geosciences with a GIS concentration is a 120-credit hybrid degree that students complete by taking a mix of in-person and online classes. To prepare learners for careers in environmental consulting, surveying, and GIS analysis, this program explores spatial analysis, environmental modeling, computer programming, and more. Students gain hands-on training through the use of mapping technology and spatial analysis tools. Study abroad opportunities are also available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $287.20 per credit hour (in-state); $774 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Grants, work-study jobs, scholarships, and loans help students cover tuition and fees.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Chadron State College

Chadron State College's bachelor's degree in geoscience is a four-year program offering all courses online; however, students must attend one two-week field camp in person each May. In this program, learners develop problem-solving skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical sciences through coursework exploring sampling techniques, rocks, minerals, and GIS. Enrollees also complete a capstone project, internship, and field camps.

• Estimated tuition cost: $325.50 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Financial aid (e.g., grants, loans, and work-study jobs) and scholarships make learning at Chadron State College more affordable.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Southern New Hampshire University

At Southern New Hampshire University, students seeking careers as geologists, climate change analysts, or GIS analysts can pursue the BS in geosciences general track or choose from two concentrations: natural resources and conservation or data analytics in science. This program explores science fundamentals, data analytics, and leadership in geoscience. Students must complete a capstone, and will receive lab kits for hands-on training.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships and financial aid help students reduce the cost of earning a degree at SNHU.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is home to the BS in geosciences with a concentration in broadcast and operational meteorology. This 124-credit degree is ideal for aspiring meteorologists seeking on-air careers or roles with the military or the National Weather Service. Online courses explore natural hazards and processes, physical climatology, oceanography, water resources, and weather prediction.

• Estimated tuition cost: $435.75 per credit hour
• Financial aid: At Mississippi State, students can lower costs with financial aid and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a 120-credit BS in Earth and environmental sciences, consisting of 38 classes that students complete online. This degree explores Earth's natural processes and humans' impact on climate change, environmental health, and the distribution of natural resources. After completing this program, students can start exciting careers as climate change analysts, environmental protection specialists, geologists, and geospatial intelligence analysts.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Federal and state grants, federal loans, military assistance, and employer tuition benefits help students save.
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of North Dakota

The BS in environmental geoscience at the University of North Dakota is a 120-credit program offering on-campus and online learning formats. Students grow their knowledge of geochemistry, computer applications in geology, engineering geology, and more in preparation for careers in hydrology, ecology, and environmental policy.

Real-world training is available through lab and fieldwork, internships, and research projects conducted with faculty members.

• Estimated tuition cost: $611.75 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Learners can increase affordability with grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team rigorously vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each meets the following criteria for providing a quality learning experience:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or the NWCCU.
• Affordability: These schools offer low tuition rates and provide financial aid, scholarships, or other assistance to reduce costs.
• Program reputation: All schools in this list have a reputation for delivering quality on-campus and online programs.

What To Expect From a Geosciences Degree Online

In a geoscience online degree program, students examine hydrogeology, environmental geology, ecosystems, tectonics, and more. However, instead of commuting to campus for classes, learners access courses online.

Once enrolled, students generally complete 120 to 124 credits of coursework over four years. However, you can find accelerated programs with shorter courses, or schools that accept transfer and other prior learning credits, to speed up degree completion. Concentrations in online geoscience programs might include:

• geophysics
• paleontology
• watershed hydrology
• meteorology
• oceanography

FAQs About Low-Cost Online Geosciences Programs

Do you want to begin a career in geoscience? Review the FAQs below to learn more about low-cost online geosciences degree programs that can help you get started.

Is an Online Geosciences Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online geosciences degree can be worth it. In distance programs, students explore the same coursework covered in on-campus programs while enjoying flexible scheduling and the ability to access learning materials from any location with internet access. Upon completion, graduates can qualify for top positions in the field.

What Can You Do With a Geosciences Degree?

With a geosciences bachelor's degree, you can further your education by pursuing a graduate degree in the field. Or, you can begin your search for geoscience degree jobs. Here are some career paths to consider:

• geoscientist
• geologist
• hydrogeologist
• environmental scientist
• remote sensing analyst
• meteorologist
• GIS technician
• oceanographer

How Much Can You Earn With a Geosciences Degree?

The salaries that graduates of geoscience programs earn vary by role. If you're interested in entering this field, here are a few geoscience degree salary examples, based on median annual salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• geoscientists (including geologists, oceanographers, and paleontologists): $99,240
• atmospheric scientists (including meteorologists): $97,450
• hydrologists: $92,060
• environmental scientists and specialists (including climate change analysts and industrial ecologists): $80,060

Can I Complete a Degree in Geosciences Fully Online?

Yes, it's possible to complete a geosciences bachelor's degree completely online. In these programs, you usually don't have to visit the campus and can access all coursework via an online learning platform. However, you might encounter online or hybrid programs with in-person requirements or fieldwork, study abroad, or internship opportunities.

Should I Pursue a Master's Degree in Geosciences?

While starting a career in geoscience doesn't require a master's degree, some employers hiring for geoscientist roles might prefer candidates who have completed a graduate program. According to the BLS, workers with a master's degree also enjoy higher pay ?nearly $300 more per week.

Discover Online Geosciences Degrees

Take the next step toward a fulfilling geoscience career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools today to learn ways they can help you reach your goals.