by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geography & Cartography](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 22 schools to find the best return on investment for geography & cartography students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geography & cartography, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Pennsylvania Western University, our #1 best value for geography & cartography in Pennsylvania. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,436, with out-of-state students paying around $16,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,295. Pennsylvania Western University admits about 94% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned it the #2 place for geography & cartography. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,356 in tuition and fees. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Students looking for strong value in geography & cartography will find it at Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Geography & Cartography graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Early-career geography & cartography graduates make about $44,294. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #4 place for geography & cartography. Set in the town of Shippensburg, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical student debt for geography & cartography graduates is $22,750. Soon after graduation, geography & cartography degree recipients from Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $38,439. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants.
Temple University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography & cartography, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete the geography & cartography program here. Soon after graduation, geography & cartography degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $48,154. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value geography & cartography schools. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geography & cartography program here. Geography & Cartography graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $40,962 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #7 spot for geography & cartography value this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical student debt for geography & cartography graduates is $16,155. Early-career geography & cartography graduates make about $99,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #8 among the best values for geography & cartography. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
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 · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.