A GIS bachelor degree provides students state-of-the-art training in remote analysis and mapping technologies to prepare them for a GIS career. Geographic information systems degrees are growing in demand. By earning a GIS degree online or on-campus, students will be prepared for various mapping careers. Students can select from a variety of different GIS bachelor degree programs below.
Featured Programs
Top Affordable GIS Degrees Methodology
For students who want to pursue a GIS bachelor degree, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. These programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest score. Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
Top Affordable GIS Schools for a Bachelor’s 2021
#1. South Dakota State University
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Sciences
Brookings, South Dakota
Students interested in studying at South Dakota State University can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Sciences. By offering this degree program, South Dakota State University has earned a place among our best GIS schools. Those who complete this GIS bachelor degree will be prepared for various career opportunities, including urban planner, cartographer, remote sensing analyst, and more. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. South Dakota State University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $44,640
Score: 100
#2. Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Athens, Ohio
Those who want to become Ohio State University students can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. By enrolling in this program, students will develop their skills in information technology and their skills in geography as they prepare for a career in geographic information science. A total of 121 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. Ohio State University has received accreditation for this degree program from the Higher Learning Commission. This GIS bachelor degree has helped Ohio State University to earn its ranking among the best GIS schools.
Tuition: $46,222
Score: 99.75
#3. Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University offers this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree to its students, earning it among our most affordable schools for a GIS degree. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 120 credit hours. Eastern Kentucky University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through this GIS bachelor degree, students will develop the skills needed for carers in GIS, such as remote sensing analyst, GIS technician, and much more. Students are also able to earn a minor and certificate in GIS at Eastern Kentucky University.
Tuition: $48,270
Score: 99.5
#4. Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science in Geography: Geographic Information Sciences
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Students enrolled at Central Michigan University can be assured that they are attending one of the best GIS schools. Central Michigan University offers students a Bachelor of Science in Geography: Geographic Information Sciences degree. This degree is a great option for those interested in entry-level positions in GIS. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Central Michigan University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this GIS bachelor degree include Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Research Methods in Geography, and more.
Tuition: $50,040
Score: 99.25
#5. Unity College
Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geospatial Technologies
Unity, Maine
Unity College offers students this Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geospatial Technologies degree. By enrolling in this online bachelors in GIS degree, students will develop the skills necessary for a career working with geospatial technologies. They will learn how to apply these technologies to a variety of different fields including environmental sustainability, emergency response, and remote surveillance. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Unity College has received accreditation for this program from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Those who complete this degree have gone on to have careers as cartographers, GIS analysts, and mapping technicians.
Tuition: $56,400
Score: 99
#6. University of Arizona
Online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology
Tucson, Arizona
Students can choose to enroll in this Online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology degree. By offering students this GIS degree online, the University of Arizona has earned its place among the most affordable GIS schools. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to earn this degree. Students can expect to complete this degree in four years. Topics covered in this GIS online degree include cartography, geovisualization, web and mobile application development, and much more. Arizona State University has received accreditation for this online GIS degree from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $63,000
Score: 98.75
#7. SUNY Cortland
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Cortland, New York
SUNY Cortland currently offers students this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems, helping the school rank among our most affordable colleges for GIS degrees. Those who complete this program will be prepared for various career paths, including land-use planners, law enforcement analysts, emergency response planners, and more. By pursuing this GIS bachelor degree, students will develop skills in digital processing of remote sensing observations, cartographic vector data, spatial analysis, and more. A total of 120 credit hours are required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $67,920
Score: 98.5
#8. SUNY College at Potsdam
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science
Potsdam, New York
Offered by SUNY College at Potsdam, this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree is a great option for students who wish to begin a GIS career. Students in this study program will develop the skills needed to analyze, map, and manage GIS data. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided SUNY Potsdam with accreditation for this degree program.
Tuition: $67,920
Score: 98
#9. Kennesaw State University
Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Sciences
Kennesaw, Georgia
Offered by Kennesaw State University, this Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Sciences is a great option for students seeking out an affordable GIS degree. By pursuing this degree program, students will develop the skills needed to work with geospatial technologies. They will study topics including remote sensing, land surveying, and much more. Courses in this program include Introduction to Cartographic Processes, Introduction to Remote Sensing, and much more. By offering this program, Kennesaw State University has ranked among our most affordable colleges for GIS degrees.
Tuition: $78,480
Score: 97.75
#10. University of Minnesota Duluth
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Duluth, Minnesota
Students who would like to study at the University of Minnesota Duluth can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. By offering this study program, the University of Minnesota Duluth has earned its ranking among the best GIS schools. Through this degree, students will learn the various skills needed to work in the high-tech industry of GIS. They will study topics such as spatial analysis, remote sensing, data analysis, and more. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. The University of Minnesota Duluth has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $80,280
Score: 97.5
#11. University of California-Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Science Emphasis
Santa Barbara, California
This Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Science Emphasis degree is offered by the University of California Santa Barbara. By offering students this study program, the University of California Santa Barbara has secured its ranking among the best GIS schools. Students in this study program will develop the technical skills required for a variety of different career paths in GIS. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this degree. The University of California Santa Barbara has received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Courses in this program include Air Photos & Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems & Cartography, and much more.
Tuition: $83,760
Score: 97.25
#12. Farmingdale State College
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Nassau County, New York
Students interested in studying at Farmingdale State College can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. Farmingdale State College has earned its place among the most affordable schools for GIS by offering students this program. Those who complete this degree have gone on to have careers as GIS analysts, natural resources analysts, geospatial application developers, and much more. A total of 121 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Farmingdale State College with accreditation for this degree.
Tuition: $85,668
Score: 97
#13. Rowan University
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Glassboro, New Jersey
Rowan University currently offers this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science. This program of study is a great option for those looking for an affordable GIS degree. Through this program, students will learn how to utilize geospatial technologies to map and image geographical areas. They will learn how to interpret and manipulate this data into different usable forms for other purposes. Rowan University has received accreditation for this program from A total of 122 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. By offering this degree, Rowan University has ranked among the most affordable schools for GIS.
Tuition: $87,352
Score: 96.75
#14. University of Oregon
Bachelor of Science in Geography: GIS
Eugene, Oregon
This Bachelor of Science in Geography: GIS degree is offered by the University of Oregon. The University of Oregon has ranked among the most affordable schools for GIS degrees by making this program available. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has provided the University of Oregon with accreditation for this study program. Those who have completed this degree have gone on to have careers in hazard mapping, emergency database management, climate modeling, and much more.
Tuition: $91,560
Score: 96.5
#15. University of Southern Maine
Bachelor of Arts in Geography-Anthropology, Specialization in Applied Geographic Information Systems
Portland, Maine
The University of Southern Maine offers this Bachelor of Arts in Geography-Anthropology, Specialization in Applied Geographic Information Systems degree to their students. Students enrolled in this program will develop the technical skills needed for a career in GIS. They will learn how to use the latest remote sensing and geospatial analysis technologies to map geographical locations effectively. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Southern Maine has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $92,280
Score: 96.25
#16. University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Norman, Oklahoma
Those interesting in studying at the University of Oklahoma Can enroll in the school’s Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. This study program is designed to teach students how to use geospatial technologies to analyze, map, and model for geographical and meteorological purposes. Those who have completed this program have gone on to have careers as GIS analysts, cartography technicians, geospatial technicians, and much more. The University of Oklahoma has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $96,720
Score: 96
#17. Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University offers this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree to its students to rank among our most affordable schools for GIS. Through this study program, students will learn how to work with GIS hardware and software to plan, maintain, and develop GIS databases. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study. Oklahoma State University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition: $115,200
Score: 95.75
#18. University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science in Geography: Geographical Information Systems
Cincinnati, Ohio
University of Cincinnati students can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree. This affordable GIS degree has allowed the University of Cincinnati to rank among the most affordable GIS schools. Students will learn how to use powerful GIS technologies to map and analyze different regions in this program of study. The University of Cincinnati has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $137,280
Score: 95.5
#19. University at Buffalo
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information science
Buffalo, New York
This Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree is made available by the University at Buffalo, helping the school to place in our ranking of the most affordable schools for GIS degrees. Those who complete this degree can pursue careers as cartographers, computer analysts, climatologists, and much more. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to earn this degree. The University at Buffalo has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Courses in this program include Cartography, Remote Sensing, Locational Analysis, and more.
Tuition: $137,400
Score: 95.25
#20. Salem State University
Bachelor of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem State University offers students this Bachelor of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems degree. In this degree, students will learn how to use the latest imaging technologies to analyze, map, and catalog spatial data. They will also learn how to manipulate this data to make it available for different types of uses. Courses in this program include Cartographic, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and more. Salem State University has received accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $147,840
Score: 95
#21. Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science
Tempe, Arizona
This Online Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree is made available by the University of Arizona. This program is one of the few GIS degrees made available online. By offering this GIS degree online, Arizona State University has been able to control the program’s costs, helping them rank among the most affordable schools for GIS. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this GIS online degree. Those who have earned this degree have worked in various industries, including city and urban planning, conservation and environmental science, software development, and more.
Tuition: $152,208
Score: 94.75
#22. University of Maryland-College Park
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
College Park, Maryland
Those who would like to study at the University of Maryland can enroll in this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science degree. This affordable GIS degree has helped the University of Maryland land among the most affordable schools for GIS. In this program, students will learn how to work with the latest GIS software and hardware to generate spatial data to map geographical and meteorological features. A total of 120 credits are needed to complete this degree. The University of Maryland has received accreditation for this program from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $174,720
Score: 94.5
#23. Texas State University
Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems
San Marcos, Texas
Texas State University offers this Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems degree on-campus. This program is great for those looking for an affordable education to prepare them for a GIS career. A total of 120 credit hours are needed for the completion of this degree. Texas State University has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students in this study program will take courses including Maps and Mapmaking, Advanced GIS, Remote Sensing & Earth Observation, and more.
Tuition: $190,560
Score: 94.25
#24. University of Wisconsin Madison
Bachelor of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems
Madison, Wisconsin
This Bachelor of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems is made available by the University of Wisconsin. The Higher Learning Commission has provided the University of Wisconsin with accreditation for this program of study. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this degree. This program gives students hands-on time with the latest GIS software and hardware. Students will learn how to use these technologies to generate geospatial data that can be manipulated and visualized for mapping purposes. They will also learn the programming and web development skills needed to create GIS software.
Tuition: $198,840
Score: 94
#25. Ball State University
Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Sciences
Muncie, Indiana
Students enrolled at Ball State University can choose to pursue this Bachelor of Arts in Geography – Geographic Information Sciences degree. By offering this degree, Ball State University has managed to rank among our most affordable GIS schools. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete this program. Ball State University has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Some of the courses in this degree program include Cartography & Visualization of Spatial Data, Introduction to Remote Sensing, Applications Design & Development, and much more.
Tuition: $201,008
Score: 93.75
Related:
Largest Nonprofit Online Universities
Top Scholarships for Online Students
Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
This concludes our ranking of the top affordable GIS schools for 2021.
NPCO Staff
February 2021
