by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geographic Information Science](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geographic-information-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 17 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geographic information science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geographic information science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Pennsylvania Western University, our #1 best value for geographic information science in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. In-state tuition and fees average $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,295. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geographic information science will find it at Pennsylvania State University World Campus, which ranked #2. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geographic information science will find it at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Slippery Rock. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Geographic Information Science graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $44,294 early in their careers. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Temple University earned it the #4 place for geographic information science. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete the geographic information science program here. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $48,154. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value geographic information science schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geographic information science program here. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $40,962. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Pennsylvania ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value geographic information science schools. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the geographic information science program here. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $99,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #7 position for value in geographic information science this year. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 61%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.