2026 Best Geography Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in geography. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Wisconsin Madison awarded about 37 geography degrees in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $58,681 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete this degree. Read more about the geography program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

2

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Students looking for a strong geography program will find one at Miami University Oxford, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 31 geography students who graduated with this degree at Miami University Oxford in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of Miami University Oxford earn a median of $49,700 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in geography from Miami University Oxford

3

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #3 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of East Lansing. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 geography students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State University in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $54,166 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in geography from Michigan State University

4

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Students looking for a strong geography program will find one at Illinois State University, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 22 geography students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State University in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $34,952 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,500. See the full geography program report for Illinois State University

5

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public school located in the city of Eau Claire. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire awarded about 25 geography degrees in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn a median of $40,048 early in their careers. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire graduates carry a median of $21,212 in student loans. Read more about the geography program at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

6

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University earned the #6 position for geography this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Allendale. About 67% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 11 geography students who graduated with this degree at Grand Valley State University in the most recent data year. Geography graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $36,367 early in their careers. Grand Valley State University graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. See the full geography program report for Grand Valley State University

7

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earned the #7 position for geography this year. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater awarded about 30 geography degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geography degree from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earn around $40,051 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,983. More information about a degree in geography from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

8

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #8 spot for geography this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Northern Illinois University graduates 49% of students within six years. About 17 geography degrees were awarded at Northern Illinois University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $52,308. Typical student debt for the program is $25,209. See the full geography program report for Northern Illinois University

9

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University came in at #9 for geography this year. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. There were roughly 10 geography students who graduated with this degree at Indiana State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geography degree from Indiana State University earn around $53,952 in the first couple years of their career. Indiana State University graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Get the full geography details for Indiana State University

10

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent landed the #10 spot for geography this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Kent. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. There were roughly 16 geography students who graduated with this degree at Kent State University At Kent in the most recent data year. Students who receive their geography degree from Kent State University At Kent earn around $42,015 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,174. Read more about the geography program at Kent State University At Kent