[Geographic Information Science](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geographic-information-science/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value geographic information science schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geographic information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in geographic information science in Utah. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $51,242. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Weber State University earned it the #2 place for geographic information science. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. Geographic Information Science graduates of Weber State University earn a median of $53,920 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt.
Utah State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geographic information science schools. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $65,286. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Utah earned it the #4 place for geographic information science. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical student debt for geographic information science graduates is $12,373. Geographic Information Science graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $41,052 early in their careers. Set against $12,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geographic information science, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,360 to complete the geographic information science program here. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $40,051. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
