by our College Data Analytics Team
[Geography](/majors/social-sciences/geography-and-cartography/geography/) 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 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Leading the list is Montgomery College, our #1 best value for geography in Maryland. Set in the city of Rockville, Montgomery College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,394, compared with $14,250 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,230 to complete the geography program here. Geography graduates of Montgomery College earn a median of $24,833 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,230 median debt.
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value geography schools. Located in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,331 to complete the geography program here. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from University Of Maryland Baltimore County generally make around $49,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Towson University one of the best values for geography. Towson University is a very large public school located in the city of Towson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Geography graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Early-career geography graduates make about $50,370. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salisbury University earned it the #4 place for geography. Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salisbury. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the geography program here. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from Salisbury University generally make around $25,255. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.