Compare 5 Geography. programs in Minnesota. Average earnings: $45,625.
With top graduates earning $51,259, Geography stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $6K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Geography graduates earning $51,259, well above the $45,625 state average. Saint Cloud State University follows at $48,746, demonstrating how regional publics compete effectively in specialized fields where outcomes track program quality over institutional brand.
For students, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the best combination with graduates borrowing $19,500 and facing just a 9.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' affordability category. When parent loans are included, Saint Cloud State leads with an 18% family burden—showing the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $51,259
Strong outcomes with 77% acceptance
9.3% payment burden | Good
18.0% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $51,259 | 27 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $48,746 | 6 | $21,058 | Good | $11,598 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $47,976 | 11 | $21,106 | Good | $13,695 | Challenging | |
| #4 | Macalester CollegePrivate | $41,857 | 22 | $23,000 | Manageable | $36,129 | High |
| #5 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $38,289 | 8 | $26,774 | Challenging | $34,265 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
