Compare 6 Geography. programs in Virginia. Average earnings: $50,751.
The highest-earning Geography program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $15K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
George Mason University's Geography program leads with graduates earning $55,864, well above the state average of $50,751. James Madison follows closely at $55,054, while Old Dominion rounds out the top three at $54,651—a tight race showing consistent quality across Virginia's public institutions.
For students, George Mason offers the best combination with graduates borrowing $19,500 and facing just an 8.0% payment burden, earning a 'Good' affordability rating. However, when parent loans are included, Old Dominion becomes more attractive with a 19.5% family burden versus George Mason's 19.9%—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $55,864 | 21 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | Challenging |
| #2 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $55,054 | 59 | $20,093 | Good | $37,285 | High |
| #3 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $54,651 | 18 | $24,000 | Good | $18,866 | Challenging |
| #4 | $51,068 | 28 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | High | |
| #5 | $47,222 | 28 | $20,500 | Good | $26,240 | High | |
| #6 | Radford UniversityPublic | $40,647 | 12 | $24,000 | Challenging | $22,158 | 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 →
