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A Closer Look at Our List of Affordable Online GIS Degrees

Finding the best online GIS degree is about securing an affordable education that leads to real career opportunities. The online schools on this list stand out not only for their tuition costs and financial aid options but also for their unique program features and strong student satisfaction. 

Below, we break down the top contenders, comparing what they offer and helping you find the best fit based on your goals, budget, and learning preferences. 

Balancing Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is an important factor, of course, and Arkansas State University (A-State) claims the top spot with an impressively low tuition of $7,260 per year. This affordability is coupled with generous financial aid (100% of students here have aid coverage), ensuring a financially accessible education for most students. 

Western Illinois University (WIU) follows closely, with a $10,095 tuition and an average financial aid package of $15,632 鈥� ranking among the top 25% for financial assistance. South Dakota State University (SDSU) also provides strong value at $10,642, with 100% of students reportedly receiving financial aid.

In contrast, Arizona State University (ASU) Online and the University of Arizona (UA) charge higher tuition, at $17,220 and $15,750 respectively. However, ASU compensates with the highest median earnings among GIS graduates ($50,447), making it a strong long-term investment for those prioritizing post-graduation salaries. UA also boasts strong financial aid (98% of students) and an outstanding recommendation rate of 97%, making it a compelling option despite the higher cost.

A graph makes it easy to compare full tuition at a glance, helping you understand which GIS programs are the most affordable across the full four-year timeline of a degree program. Since most students are committing to four years of tuition, seeing the total cost upfront allows for better budgeting and financial aid considerations, ensuring you don鈥檛 underestimate the real cost of your education.

Online GIS Program Offerings and Unique Features

Each school brings a distinct approach to GIS education, catering to different career paths. A-State鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Geographic Information Systems and Precision Agriculture is one of the most specialized offerings, focusing on applying GIS in agricultural settings 鈥� a niche field with growing demand. This makes it an excellent choice for students interested in precision agriculture or remote sensing applications in farming.

WIU and SDSU both provide more traditional GIS degrees with strong hands-on components. WIU's Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science allows specialization in Geoenvironment and Planning or Geospatial Science. Its standout features include a state-of-the-art GIS lab and paid internships, ensuring graduates gain practical experience before entering the workforce. SDSU鈥檚 online degree in GIS integrates cartography, remote sensing, and research projects with institutions like the EROS Center, making it highly research-focused.

Arizona鈥檚 GIS programs are among the most technologically advanced. UA鈥檚 BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology is project-based, requiring a capstone and integrating open-source programming into its curriculum. It is aligned with the U.S. Department of Labor鈥檚 Geospatial Technology Competency Model, ensuring job market relevance. ASU鈥檚 GIS bachelor's program goes even further by incorporating programming and statistical analysis, offering an accelerated master鈥檚 option.

For students looking for an interdisciplinary approach, UMass Global鈥檚 BBA in Business Administration - GIS & Data Analytics offers a blend of business and GIS coursework. This program is ideal for those wanting to enter GIS-related roles in corporate settings, supply chain management, or business analytics. 

Meanwhile, Liberty University鈥檚 BS in Geography - Physical Geography provides a Christian-centered curriculum with flexible 8-week course modules, a strong fit for students who value faith-based education.

Career Advice from GIS Experts

Affordability and career prospects are equally crucial. Below, we include two interviews from experts in the field to help you succeed academically and post-graduation.

Preparing for a GIS Career: Practical Insights from Arvind Rongala

CEO & Founder, Edstellar

Arvind Rongala founded Edstellar and Invensis Learning. He develops technology-driven training solutions and recognizes the growing importance of Geographic Information Systems in today鈥檚 data-driven landscape. He works closely with those in the GIS field, leveraging online learning platforms to ensure that education and adaptability remain at the forefront of professional development in this dynamic area.

Rongala's advice for GIS students emphasizes the importance of practical, hands-on learning. He stresses that "selecting a school with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning is important for anybody thinking about pursuing a GIS degree, especially online." This means that beyond theoretical knowledge, students should engage directly with real-world geographic datasets, tackle actual problems, and perform detailed data analyses. 

He encourages aspiring GIS professionals to 鈥渓ook for classes that focus on automation using programs like Python, ArcGIS, and QGIS. Applying GIS practically is essential; applicants might stand out by understanding how to utilize it for environmental study, urban planning, or disaster response.鈥�

Furthermore, Rongala highlights the transformative impact of emerging technologies on the GIS field. He notes that "AI-driven spatial analysis and remote sensing are becoming increasingly important as the GIS field develops," advising students to focus on geospatial data science and cloud-based GIS solutions. According to him, "GIS success requires more than just technical proficiency; it also requires an awareness of how to use those abilities to address practical problems." 

His overall message is clear: Maintaining curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning will open up numerous opportunities in the ever-evolving industry of GIS.

Harnessing GIS for Social Impact: Anthony Bianco鈥檚 Insights

Marketing and Communications Manager

Anthony Bianco is a digital marketing and communications specialist who uses his expertise in geospatial technologies to drive social impact, particularly for autistic individuals. At Australian Spatial Analytics, he plays a key role in a social enterprise where "ASA provides employment opportunities for neurodivergent people throughout Australia in the Geospatial and Digital Engineering Professions." His work focuses on leveraging GIS to create inclusive pathways for employment, ensuring that advanced spatial analysis and digital engineering skills become accessible to those who face significant barriers.

Anthony Bianco provides valuable insight into the potential for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, to excel in fields like GIS. By focusing on creating career opportunities through on-the-job training, he helps empower young neurodivergent adults, a demographic with a 34% unemployment rate. He emphasizes that the unique cognitive abilities of these individuals 鈥� skills like attention to detail, pattern recognition, and memory retention 鈥� are especially well-suited to the demands of GIS work. 

This approach harnesses strengths often underestimated in conventional job markets, enabling employees to contribute meaningfully to projects like Australia鈥檚 travel advice maps and the management of its vast electrical network.

Bianco stresses the importance of practical experience combined with online learning, advising students to engage in real-world projects that build their technical and analytical skills. As Bianco explains, "Our aim is to provide on-the-job training... to upskill our people in GIS technology across multiple software and transition their employment to other inclusive organizations." This approach not only helps individuals build sustainable careers but also expands access to specialized GIS skills across industries. 

By fostering inclusion and professional growth, Anthony demonstrates how GIS can be a tool for meaningful social impact, creating pathways to employment for individuals who have historically faced barriers in the workforce. His advice underscores that embracing one鈥檚 unique talents and gaining practical, inclusive training are critical for building a successful career in GIS and making a positive social impact.

What do Online GIS Students Say?

Online GIS students highlight strong faculty support, accessible learning platforms, and practical coursework that enhances career preparation. At UA, Anthony Canepa (2018) praised the Geography department, stating, "Every professor is genuinely interested in your academic achievement and will go out of their way to make sure you are comprehending the material," emphasizing the importance of faculty engagement in GIS studies. 

Technical accessibility is another key factor for GIS students. At ASU Online, Emily S. (2014) appreciated the structured online format, saying, "I read the same, learned the same, and produced a lot more work being an online student," debunking concerns about the quality of remote learning. 

These firsthand experiences show that successful online GIS programs combine faculty mentorship, digital accessibility, and real-world applications to prepare students for careers in the field. We include more student reviews below for your consideration.

Mapping Your Future: Finding the Right GIS Degree and Career Path

The right fit for an online GIS bachelor鈥檚 degree is the one that aligns with your priorities:

• If affordability and strong academic support matter most, A-State delivers a budget-friendly education without compromising quality. 
• For those eager to dive into hands-on research and practical GIS applications, WIU and SDSU stand out. 
• If future earnings and cutting-edge technology are your focus, ASU and UA offer high-tech programs with strong salary potential. 
• UMass Global blends GIS with business analytics, creating a unique path for career-driven students, while Liberty provides a flexible, faith-based education.

The effectiveness of online learning environments varies by institution. Liberty and ASU dominate in terms of online enrollment, with 35,243 and 50,637 distance learners, respectively. (And that's just at the undergraduate level!) This massive scale indicates strong digital infrastructure and support for remote learners. ASU even ranks in the top 1% for online enrollment nationwide, reinforcing its status as a leader in online education.

For student support, retention and recommendation rates are key indicators. UA leads in both, with an 86% retention rate and a 97% recommendation rate, signaling strong student satisfaction and academic support. SDSU also performs well in retention at 79%, ensuring students are well-supported throughout their education.

Industry experts like Arvind Rongala emphasize the importance of hands-on learning and automation skills, while Anthony Bianco highlights the growing role of GIS in social impact careers. By combining the right degree with practical experience, students can enter the GIS job market with confidence, ready to tackle the challenges of this rapidly evolving field.