2026 Best Geographic Information Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison tops our 2026 ranking of the best geographic information science schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Madison. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 68 geographic information science students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent data year. Graduates of the geographic information science program make about $58,681 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,250. Read more about the geographic information science program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

2

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in geographic information science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 21 geographic information science degrees were awarded at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent year. Geographic Information Science graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete this degree. Read more about the geographic information science program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

3

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in geographic information science, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 74% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 geographic information science students who graduated with this degree at Calvin College in the most recent data year. Geographic Information Science graduates of Calvin College earn a median of $44,220 early in their careers. Calvin College graduates carry a median of $22,707 in student loans. Read more about the geographic information science program at Calvin College

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for a strong geographic information science program will find one at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #4. This very large public university is located in the city of Champaign. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 23 geographic information science degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geographic information science degree from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn around $42,214 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in geographic information science from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

5

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best geographic information science schools. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 18 geographic information science degrees were awarded at Depaul University in the most recent year. Students who receive their geographic information science degree from Depaul University earn around $47,464 in the first couple years of their career. Depaul University graduates carry a median of $23,412 in student loans. Get the full geographic information science details for Depaul University

6

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #6 among the best geographic information science schools. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 20 geographic information science degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire in the most recent year. Students who receive their geographic information science degree from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn around $40,048 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,212. More information about a degree in geographic information science from University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

7

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University landed the #7 spot for geographic information science this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Grand Valley State University awarded about 35 geographic information science degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geographic information science degree from Grand Valley State University earn around $36,367 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,875. See the full geographic information science program report for Grand Valley State University

8

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent earned the #8 position for geographic information science this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 geographic information science students who graduated with this degree at Kent State University At Kent in the most recent data year. Geographic Information Science graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $42,015 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,174 to complete this degree. See the full geographic information science program report for Kent State University At Kent

9

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University landed the #9 spot for geographic information science this year. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. The six-year graduation rate is 45%. Western Illinois University awarded about 14 geographic information science degrees in the most recent data year. Geographic Information Science graduates of Western Illinois University earn a median of $47,926 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,639 to complete this degree. Read more about the geographic information science program at Western Illinois University