50 Best Colleges for Geography Degree 2024

Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments. It covers both the physical features of the Earth, like mountains, rivers, and climates, and human activities, such as cities, cultures, and economies. Geography helps us understand the world around us and how natural and human-made processes shape our planet. Studying geography helps people understand global issues like climate change, resource distribution, and cultural interactions. It also provides valuable skills for careers in areas such as urban planning, environmental management, and international relations. Here’s a list of 50 Best Colleges for Geography Degree that are great for geography degrees in 2024. Best Colleges for Geography Degree listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

50 Best Colleges for Geography Degree

1. University of California, Berkeley

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, environmental consulting, and GIS. Many continue to advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Berkeley’s geography program is top-ranked nationwide. Students can study many topics. Fieldwork and research opportunities are abundant. They can work with cutting-edge technology.

2. University of Chicago

GPA: 4.0
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia, government, and private sector. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: UChicago offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can engage in interdisciplinary studies. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UCLA offers hands-on learning experiences. Students can participate in fieldwork and research. The program covers physical and human geography. Los Angeles provides a unique urban laboratory.

4. University of Wisconsin-Madison

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, environmental consulting, and academia. Many pursue advanced studies.
Academic Highlights: UW-Madison has a strong geography program. Students can choose from various specializations. Field trips and internships are available. The program emphasizes research and practical skills.

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5. University of Washington

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1340
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UW offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can study diverse topics. Research and internships are encouraged. The program integrates technology and fieldwork.

6. University of Texas at Austin

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UT Austin has a renowned geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are plentiful. The program covers both physical and human geography.

7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1390
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and academia. Many continue to graduate programs.
Academic Highlights: UNC offers a robust geography program. Students can participate in interdisciplinary research. Fieldwork and internships are encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking and practical skills.

8. University of Colorado Boulder

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in environmental consulting, GIS, and urban planning. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: CU Boulder offers hands-on geography education. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. Boulder provides a dynamic learning environment.

9. Ohio State University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: OSU offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

10. University of Minnesota

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1320
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UMN has a strong geography program. Students can engage in research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are plentiful. The program covers both physical and human geography.

11. University of Maryland, College Park

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UMD offers a robust geography program. Students can participate in interdisciplinary research. Fieldwork and internships are encouraged. The program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.

12. Pennsylvania State University

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: Penn State has a comprehensive geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are abundant. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

13. University of California, Santa Barbara

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1360
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UCSB offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can study many topics. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

14. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1340
Median ACT: 29
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UIUC has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

Best Colleges for Geography Degree

15. University of California, Davis

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UC Davis offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

16. Michigan State University

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1280
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: MSU has a robust geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are abundant. The program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.

17. University of Florida

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1350
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban

planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UF offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can study diverse topics. Research and internships are encouraged. The program integrates technology and fieldwork.

18. University of Arizona

GPA: 3.5
Median SAT: 1240
Median ACT: 26
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UArizona has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a dynamic learning environment.

19. University of Oregon

GPA: 3.6
Median SAT: 1250
Median ACT: 27
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UO offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

20. University of Georgia

GPA: 3.7
Median SAT: 1300
Median ACT: 28
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: UGA has a robust geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are abundant. The program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.

21. University of British Columbia

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: UBC offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can study many topics. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

22. University of Toronto

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 43%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: U of T has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

23. University of Edinburgh

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Edinburgh offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

24. University of Melbourne

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: Melbourne has a strong geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are abundant. The program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.

25. Australian National University

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: ANU offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can study many topics. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

26. University of Manchester

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: Manchester has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

27. University of Sydney

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Sydney offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

28. University of Queensland

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: UQ has a robust geography program. Students can engage in various research projects. Fieldwork opportunities are abundant. The program emphasizes practical skills and critical thinking.

29. University of Auckland

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Auckland offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

30. University of Cape Town

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UCT has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

31. University of Amsterdam

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Amsterdam offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can study many topics. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

32. McGill University

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: McGill has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

33. King’s College London

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: King’s has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

34. University of Warwick

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 52%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Warwick offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

35. University of Glasgow

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Glasgow offers a diverse geography curriculum. Students can study many topics. Research and internships are strongly encouraged. The program emphasizes critical thinking skills.

36. University of New South Wales

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: UNSW has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

Best Colleges for Geography Degree

37. University of Sydney

38. University of Queensland

39. University of Auckland

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Auckland offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

40. University of Cape Town

41. University of Amsterdam

42. McGill University

GPA: 3.9
Median SAT: 1400
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further studies.
Academic Highlights: McGill has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

43. King’s College London

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1370
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in GIS, urban planning, and environmental consulting. Many pursue further education.
Academic Highlights: King’s has a strong geography program. Students can engage in fieldwork and research. The program covers various geography aspects. The campus provides a vibrant learning environment.

44. University of Warwick

45. University of Glasgow

46. University of New South Wales

47. University of Sydney

48. University of Queensland

49. University of Auckland

GPA: 3.8
Median SAT: 1380
Median ACT: 30
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Requirements: High school diploma, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters, personal essay.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in urban planning, GIS, and environmental management. Many pursue advanced degrees.
Academic Highlights: Auckland offers a comprehensive geography program. Students can specialize in various fields. Fieldwork and internships are available. The program integrates technology and practical skills.

50. University of Cape Town

Best Universities for Geography – Conclusion

These 50 Best Universities for Geography offer outstanding geography programs with robust academic curricula, hands-on fieldwork, and research opportunities. Graduates from these schools find successful careers in GIS, urban planning, environmental management, and more, while many also pursue advanced degrees. Each institution provides a unique learning environment and diverse specializations, ensuring students can find a program that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. By choosing one of these esteemed colleges, students can embark on a fulfilling journey in the field of geography and make a meaningful impact on the world.