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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Geographic Information Science Associate’s Degree Schools

1 Colleges in the United States
$10,703 Avg Student Debt
$45,372 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Geographic Information Science Associate's Degree Badge [Geographic Information Science](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geographic-information-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong geographic information science education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 327 schools to find the best return on investment for geographic information science students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Geographic Information Science Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geographic information science degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Geographic Information Science Schools

1
American River College crest
American River College
Sacramento, CA

American River College tops our 2026 list of the best value geographic information science schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Sacramento, American River College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,288, while out-of-state students pay about $12,616. Typical student debt for geographic information science graduates is $14,105. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from American River College generally make around $76,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego Mesa College earned it the #2 place for geographic information science. Set in the city of San Diego, San Diego Mesa College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $6,999 in student loans. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $29,852. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Central New Mexico Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geographic information science, landing the #3 spot this year. Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the geographic information science program here. Geographic Information Science graduates of Central New Mexico Community College earn a median of $34,751 early in their careers. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Palomar College earned it the #4 place for geographic information science. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, Palomar College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,354 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,300.

5
Foothill College crest
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA

Students looking for strong value in geographic information science will find it at Foothill College, which ranked #5. Foothill College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Los Altos Hills. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,565, while out-of-state students pay about $12,590. Students borrow a median of $11,595 to complete the geographic information science program here. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $94,152. Set against $11,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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6

Green River Community College landed the #6 spot for geographic information science value this year. Set in the city of Auburn, Green River Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,711 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,263 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,712 ten years out.

Other Geographic Information Science Degree Levels

Explore the best-value geographic information science schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Geographic Information Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Geographic Information Science
Master's Degrees in Geographic Information Science
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View All Geographic Information Science Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 327 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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