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.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in geography, balancing cost against outcomes.
University Of North Georgia tops our 2027 list of the best value geography schools in Georgia. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $21,439. Early-career geography graduates make about $43,714. That is a strong return on a $21,439 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in geography will find it at University Of Georgia, which ranked #2. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for geography graduates is $22,133. Soon after graduation, geography degree recipients from University Of Georgia generally make around $26,801. That is a strong return on a $22,133 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
Kennesaw State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Geography graduates carry a median of $32,500 in student loans. Geography graduates of Kennesaw State University earn a median of $40,020 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Georgia State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete the geography program here. Geography graduates of Georgia State University earn a median of $51,103 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.
This list is compiled 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.