2026 Best Value Geography And Cartography Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Geography And Cartography master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 535 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northwest Missouri State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $23,585 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest Missouri State University
A rank of #2 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $25,260. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
A rank of #3 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values 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. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $23,775. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,775 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
You'll get strong value at Western Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. See the full Western Illinois University profile
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $22,635. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Delaware came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #9 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
South Dakota State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. 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. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Salisbury University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Salisbury University
University Of North Alabama landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. University Of North Alabama Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
Central Michigan University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of Central Arkansas placed #15 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $22,920. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,920 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $16,479 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $16,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
San Jose State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Jose State University report
Suny At Binghamton landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Suny At Binghamton Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $20,596 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $20,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
Indiana State University placed #19 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $25,582. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana State University report
Texas Tech University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $21,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Northridge landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about California State University Northridge
University Of North Texas came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $20,994 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $20,994 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Geography And Cartography Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $20,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Mary Washington placed #27 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. University Of Mary Washington is a public school based in Fredericksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,905, with out-of-state students paying around $28,083. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $60,613 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Mary Washington
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $21,783. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Salem State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Salem State University is a public school based in Salem, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Salem State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Salem State University
Towson University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Towson University
San Francisco State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. San Francisco State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $13,768 in debt. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,768 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $24,021. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,021 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
California State University Long Beach landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Long Beach
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $19,918. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #36 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,954 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
George Washington University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Washington University profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $13,969 in debt. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $13,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,990 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Appalachian State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,836. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Appalachian State University profile
San Diego State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $14,999 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $14,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $24,441 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,441 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Cuny Hunter College placed #43 among the best-value Geography And Cartography schools in the United States. Cuny Hunter College is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Cuny Hunter College Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $11,091 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Hunter College has an acceptance rate of 54%. Read more about Cuny Hunter College
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Geography And Cartography student debt is $21,000. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Redlands offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. The median Geography And Cartography program debt is $27,175. University Of Redlands alumni report median earnings of $72,690 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,175 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Redlands report
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Students borrow a median of $24,323 to complete their Geography And Cartography program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
Sam Houston State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Sam Houston State University Geography And Cartography students take on a median of $25,156 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Geography And Cartography schools. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Related Geography And Cartography Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Geography And Cartography Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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