2026 Best Value Geography & Cartography Schools in Virginia

1

George Mason University
Fairfax, VA

George Mason University earned the #1 spot for value among geography & cartography schools in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical student debt for geography & cartography graduates is $22,000. Soon after graduation, geography & cartography degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $49,568. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

2

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Virginia Commonwealth University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography & cartography, landing the #2 spot this year. Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public school located in the city of Richmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Geography & Cartography graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Geography & Cartography graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of $57,000 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants.

3

University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value geography & cartography schools. University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Fredericksburg. Students from in state pay about $14,905 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,083 for out-of-state students. Geography & Cartography graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career geography & cartography graduates make about $43,243. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary Washington admits about 80% of applicants.

4

James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in geography & cartography, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Geography & Cartography graduates carry a median of $19,800 in student loans. Early-career geography & cartography graduates make about $45,094. Set against $19,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

5

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earned it the #5 place for geography & cartography. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Geography & Cartography graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, geography & cartography degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $39,328. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.