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Best Value Geography and Cartography Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Geography and Cartography graduates in Pennsylvania face an unusual earnings reality where smaller state universities often outperform larger research institutions. Shippensburg University produces graduates earning $41,193 annually despite charging only $13,544 in-state tuition, while Temple University graduates earn $31,305 after paying $22,082. Pennsylvania's geographic information systems sector, driven by companies like ESRI's regional operations and state environmental agencies, creates steady demand for spatial analysis professionals. The state's 12 programs span from ultra-affordable options like Cheyney at $9,837 net cost to premium private institutions approaching $45,000. Public universities dominate the value equation, with most charging under $25,000 while delivering graduates into Pennsylvania's growing geospatial technology market.
12
Programs
$9,837 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$36,892
Avg. Program Earnings
63.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Geography and Cartography Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,216 $39,585 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
2 $19,524 $37,568 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
3 $20,231 $35,594 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
4 $23,553 $41,193 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
5 $22,673 $39,009 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
6 $21,205 $33,993 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
7 $29,219 $31,305 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
8 $40,429 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
9 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
10 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
11 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
12 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Pennsylvania Geography programs?

Shippensburg graduates earn $41,193 while Temple graduates earn $31,305, despite Temple's higher costs and research profile. Program focus and regional employer connections often matter more than university size for geography careers.

How do Pennsylvania's public Geography programs compare on graduation rates?

West Chester leads state schools with a 69.8% graduation rate, followed by Slippery Rock at 65.9%. Most Pennsylvania state universities cluster between 51-55% graduation rates for Geography majors.

Is Temple University worth the premium for Geography students?

Temple charges $29,219 net cost but produces graduates earning $31,305, creating a poor cost-to-earnings ratio. Several state universities offer better value with lower costs and higher graduate earnings.

Where do Pennsylvania Geography graduates find the best job opportunities?

Pennsylvania's environmental consulting firms, state agencies, and GIS technology companies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh hire heavily from state programs. The state's varied geography from urban centers to rural areas creates varied career paths in both public and private sectors.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.