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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Geography Schools in New York

6 Colleges in the United States
$22,034 Avg Student Debt
$78,928 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Geography Badge [Geography](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geography/) 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 20 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geography students.

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2026 Best Value Geography Schools in New York

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geography, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Geography Schools

1

For return on investment in geography, no school beat University At Buffalo this year. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Students borrow a median of $24,255 to complete the geography program here. Geography graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $29,390 early in their careers. Set against $24,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny At Binghamton earned it the #2 place for geography. Suny At Binghamton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Vestal. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,596 to complete the geography program here. Geography graduates of Suny At Binghamton earn a median of $51,766 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,596 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

3
Colgate University crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY

A rank of #3 makes Colgate University one of the best values for geography. Colgate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Hamilton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,306. Geography graduates carry a median of $16,286 in student loans. Geography graduates of Colgate University earn a median of $52,924 early in their careers. Set against $16,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

4
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the geography program here. Geography graduates of Syracuse University earn a median of $54,785 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 20 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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