2026 Best Value Geography And Cartography Schools
Looking for the best-value Geography And Cartography programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 535 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Geography And Cartography Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $10,360. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $10,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 535 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Park University landed the #2 spot. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $22,112. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read the full report on Park University
You'll get strong value at Santa Rosa Junior College, which ranked #3 this year. Santa Rosa Junior College is a public school based in Santa Rosa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,318, while out-of-state students pay about $11,308. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $14,692. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,224. Set against $14,692 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Santa Rosa Junior College report
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Geography And Cartography ranking in the United States. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $23,585. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Western Idaho earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $12,497. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, compared with $8,684 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $10,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,869. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central New Mexico Community College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #7 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,775 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Front Range Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Westminster, CO, Front Range Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, with out-of-state students paying around $17,263. Graduates carry a median of $20,354 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,354 median debt. More on Front Range Community College
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $24,096 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public school based in Harrisburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $20,867 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,007. Set against $20,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #11 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $24,245 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
South Dakota State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. South Dakota State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $24,989 in debt. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
University Of Florida Online placed #14 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Students borrow a median of $18,600 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,600 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
Tulsa Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tulsa, OK, Tulsa Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Graduates carry a median of $15,789 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Tulsa Community College profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $26,330 in debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Western Illinois University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Western Illinois University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Western Illinois University
Northern Illinois University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $25,209. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #18 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $23,850. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $22,635. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Lindenwood University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Lindenwood University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $23,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Geography And Cartography Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Illinois State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Illinois State University
Central Michigan University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #28 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $22,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Youngstown State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $26,373. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $24,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Grand Valley State University placed #32 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $21,875. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
University Of North Georgia landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dahlonega, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. University Of North Georgia Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $21,439 in debt. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. Set against $21,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $21,829 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Kennesaw State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Set in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $32,500. Kennesaw State University alumni report median earnings of $57,552 a decade after entry. Set against $32,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kennesaw State University report
Sonoma State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Sonoma State University is a public school based in Rohnert Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,986 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Sonoma State University
East Los Angeles College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Monterey Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $8,180 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $42,006 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about East Los Angeles College
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Memphis placed #39 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $26,315 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $21,212. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #42 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
California State University Sacramento landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $15,881. California State University Sacramento alumni report median earnings of $64,876 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,881 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
Saint Cloud State University placed #44 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Saint Cloud State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #46 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $20,868 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $20,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $61,515 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Salisbury University profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. University Of Houston Clear Lake alumni report median earnings of $59,004 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
California State University Northridge placed #48 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $8,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full California State University Northridge profile
San Jose State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Jose State University
California State University East Bay landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full California State University East Bay profile
Best Value Geography And Cartography Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 535 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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