ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools

12 Colleges in the United States
$22,282 Avg Student Debt
$64,378 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Badge [Geography And Environmental Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 69 schools to find the best return on investment for geography and environmental studies students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 30.44), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8

Finding the Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies School for You

The right geography and environmental studies school can pay off for years to come. To help, we created our Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.

Learn more about our methodology

Customizing Your List

We offer a number of rankings, including this Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Geography And Environmental Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Geography And Environmental Studies
Master's Degrees in Geography And Environmental Studies
Doctorate Degrees in Geography And Environmental Studies

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 30.44), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Geosciences (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Environmental Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.8
ADBLOCK #171

2026 Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geography and environmental studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida tops our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $58,388 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Florida Online came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida Online is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $17,779. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from University Of Florida Online generally make around $43,822. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.

3

University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography and environmental studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $16,481. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $65,681. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%.

4

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $63,833. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%.

5

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography and environmental studies, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $49,223. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Old Dominion University placed #6 among the best values for geography and environmental studies. Old Dominion University is a very large public school located in the city of Norfolk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,001 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of Old Dominion University earn a median of $57,131 early in their careers. Set against $26,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

7

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #7 for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $54,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants.

8
University Of Kansas crest
University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #8 spot for geography and environmental studies value this year. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $56,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.

9

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #9 among the best values for geography and environmental studies. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $23,138 in student loans. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $58,084 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.

10

Ohio State University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $22,053 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. Set against $22,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.

ADBLOCK #115
11

South Dakota State University landed the #11 spot for geography and environmental studies value this year. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Students borrow a median of $24,989 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $51,260. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants.

12

University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #12 spot for geography and environmental studies value this year. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $24,624. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $46,572. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.

13

University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #13 among the best values for geography and environmental studies. Located in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $21,331. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $49,179 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

14

Western Washington University placed #14 among the best values for geography and environmental studies. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $20,361. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $41,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,361 median debt. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.

15

Western Michigan University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $27,981. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $48,966. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Ohio University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

17

Texas Tech University earned the #17 position for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Set in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $50,332. Set against $24,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.

18

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $55,861. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of Oregon came in at #19 for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $22,034 in student loans. Early-career geography and environmental studies graduates make about $44,628. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.

20

The University Of Alabama came in at #20 for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,180 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete the geography and environmental studies program here. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of The University Of Alabama earn a median of $50,740 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #21 spot for geography and environmental studies value this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public school located in the suburb of West Chester. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.

22

Miami University Oxford earned the #22 position for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $24,177 in student loans. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of Miami University Oxford earn a median of $49,700 early in their careers. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%.

23
Clark University crest
Clark University
Worcester, MA

Clark University placed #23 among the best values for geography and environmental studies. Located in the city of Worcester, Clark University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,467. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $26,153. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates of Clark University earn a median of $43,257 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%.

24
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College earned the #24 position for value in geography and environmental studies this year. Set in the town of Hanover, Dartmouth College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,019. Typical student debt for geography and environmental studies graduates is $16,989. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from Dartmouth College generally make around $81,992. Set against $16,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

25
Macalester College crest
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value geography and environmental studies schools. Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Paul. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Geography And Environmental Studies graduates carry a median of $22,147 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geography and environmental studies degree recipients from Macalester College generally make around $42,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 28%.

Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Geography And Environmental Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s geography and environmental studies value ranking:

26

DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/geography-and-environmental-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 30.44), keeping min_relevance at 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

ADBLOCK #173
View All Rankings >

Geography And Environmental Studies is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. See all related rankings.

Major Annual Graduates
Geography and Environmental Studies 763

View All Geography And Environmental Studies Concentrations >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 69 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options