by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geography](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geography/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geography students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geography, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Bemidji State University the best value for a degree in geography in the The Plains States Region. Set in the town of Bemidji, Bemidji State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $25,819. Early-career geography graduates make about $48,984. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%.
Pittsburg State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value geography schools. Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pittsburg. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. Geography graduates carry a median of $22,669 in student loans. Geography graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $50,003 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Twin Cities one of the best values for geography. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Geography graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $38,019. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Students looking for strong value in geography will find it at Northwest Missouri State University, which ranked #4. Northwest Missouri State University is a large public school located in the town of Maryville. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete the geography program here. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from Northwest Missouri State University generally make around $42,939. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in geography will find it at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $25,260. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $45,482. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #6 among the best values for geography. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Geography graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Geography graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $38,726 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.
Park University landed the #7 spot for geography value this year. Located in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $22,112. Early-career geography graduates make about $58,786. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt.
University Of Iowa placed #8 among the best values for geography. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Students borrow a median of $23,904 to complete the geography program here. Early-career geography graduates make about $45,566. That is a strong return on a $23,904 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.