by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geography](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geography/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong geography education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 22 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for geography students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the geography degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Utah Valley University the best value for a degree in geography in the Rocky Mountains Region. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Geography graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Early-career geography graduates make about $51,242. Set against $16,478 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for geography. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Geography graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. Early-career geography graduates make about $53,920. That is a strong return on a $19,176 median debt.
Front Range Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geography schools. Located in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,663 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Students borrow a median of $20,354 to complete the geography program here. Early-career geography graduates make about $40,414. Set against $20,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Wyoming came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value geography schools. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $20,283. Geography graduates of University Of Wyoming earn a median of $49,890 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Idaho is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Idaho is a large public school located in the town of Moscow. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $43,246. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
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Brigham Young University Provo came in at #6 for value in geography this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $10,360 to complete the geography program here. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $40,051. Set against $10,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs landed the #7 spot for geography value this year. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a large public school located in the city of Colorado Springs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, compared with $25,039 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the geography program here. Early-career geography graduates make about $36,426. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Montana ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value geography schools. Set in the city of Missoula, The University Of Montana is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $24,342. Early-career geography graduates make about $42,654. That is a strong return on a $24,342 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Colorado Denver placed #9 among the best values for geography. Located in the city of Denver, University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $22,468. Early-career geography graduates make about $39,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants.
University Of Denver came in at #10 for value in geography this year. University Of Denver is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. Geography graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. Geography graduates of University Of Denver earn a median of $58,717 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.