Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,434
61st percentile (60th in NY)
Median Debt
$20,596
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.51
Manageable
Sample Size
37
Adequate data

Analysis

Binghamton's Geography and Cartography program starts modest but builds momentum, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 33% from $40,434 to $53,830 over four years. That early figure outperforms both the New York state median ($36,271) and national average ($38,726), placing this program solidly in the 60th percentile among geography programs statewide. The four-year trajectory suggests graduates are landing roles with genuine advancement potential rather than plateauing early.

The debt picture reinforces the value case. At $20,596, graduates owe roughly $2,000 less than the typical geography major in New York. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 means a Binghamton grad's initial debt equals just half their first year's salary—a comfortable margin that becomes even more favorable as earnings grow. For a program at a selective SUNY institution (38% acceptance rate, 1415 average SAT), this represents accessible state-school pricing without sacrificing quality.

This program won't launch six-figure careers, but it delivers what matters: earnings above regional peers, manageable debt, and consistent income growth. For families seeking practical value from a respected public university, Binghamton's geography program meets that standard without stretching the budget.

Where Binghamton University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's programs nationally

Binghamton UniversityOther geography and cartography programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Binghamton University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Binghamton University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all geography and cartography bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Binghamton University$40,434$53,830$20,5960.51
SUNY Oneonta$38,784$20,5000.53
SUNY College at Geneseo$33,758$14,5750.43
University at Buffalo$29,390$39,206$24,2550.83
National Median$38,726$22,6570.59

Other Geography and Cartography Programs in New York

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta
$8,812$38,784$20,500
SUNY College at Geneseo
Geneseo
$8,966$33,758$14,575
University at Buffalo
Buffalo
$10,782$29,390$24,255

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Binghamton University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.