Compare 137 Geography. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $52,662. Top programs: $78,390+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Geography tells a different story. Across 137 programs, earnings range from $19,227 to $78,390—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The schools leading this ranking aren't the ones you'd expect, which is exactly the point.
George Washington University's Geography program leads with graduates earning $78,390—well above the $52,662 national average. More telling: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranks third at $75,877, nearly matching the University of Connecticut ($76,851) despite being a regional public with a 97.5% acceptance rate. Prestige doesn't predict outcomes here. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. California State University-Sacramento graduates borrow just $15,000 in student loans and face a 3.9% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. For families weighing combined borrowing, California State University-Northridge leads with a 8.6% family burden—firmly in the 'Good' tier on just $27,394 in total family debt.
Highest program earnings: $78,390
Strong outcomes ($76,851) with 52% acceptance
3.9% payment burden | Excellent
8.6% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | $78,390 | 19 | $20,449 | Excellent | $30,881 | Manageable |
| #2 | $76,851 | 31 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,324 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $75,877 | 23 | $20,500 | Excellent | $21,500 | Good | |
| #4 | $75,234 | 36 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Good | |
| #5 | $74,864 | 15 | $18,922 | Excellent | $26,150 | Manageable | |
| #6 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $74,692 | 21 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Manageable |
| #7 | Dartmouth CollegePrivate | $72,985 | 28 | $17,500 | Excellent | $44,481 | Challenging |
| #8 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $71,543 | 14 | $26,000 | Excellent | $39,841 | Challenging |
| #9 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | $71,207 | 26 | $18,500 | Excellent | $27,270 | Manageable |
| #10 | $69,500 | 19 | $16,552 | Excellent | $17,585 | Good | |
| #11 | $69,383 | 14 | $20,482 | Excellent | $28,767 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $69,323 | 35 | $13,872 | Excellent | $13,522 | Good | |
| #13 | $68,993 | 31 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Challenging | |
| #14 | University At BuffaloPublic | $68,176 | 28 | $19,000 | Excellent | $20,734 | Manageable |
| #15 | $67,521 | 100 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $67,336 | 13 | $18,450 | Excellent | $13,000 | Good | |
| #17 | University Of FloridaPublic | $67,276 | 29 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Good |
| #18 | $67,193 | 83 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $66,429 | 14 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,743 | Good | |
| #20 | $66,168 | 12 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Manageable | |
| #21 | Park UniversityPrivate | $65,890 | 37 | $21,685 | Excellent | $10,875 | Good |
| #22 | $65,759 | 46 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $65,259 | 35 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $65,228 | 62 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $64,950 | 189 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
