[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 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geographic information science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geographic information science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Murray State University the best value for a degree in geographic information science in Kentucky. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $23,420 in student loans. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $48,423. Set against $23,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Eastern Kentucky University one of the best values for geographic information science. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $25,122 in student loans. Early-career geographic information science graduates make about $43,891. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
A rank of #3 makes Western Kentucky University one of the best values for geographic information science. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Typical student debt for geographic information science graduates is $24,499. Soon after graduation, geographic information science degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $44,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Louisville came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value geographic information science schools. Located in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. Geographic Information Science graduates carry a median of $21,910 in student loans. Geographic Information Science graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $37,844 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 6 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.
