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
Earnings Distribution
How Binghamton University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton University | $40,434 | $53,830 | +33% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $40,913 | $65,748 | +61% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $54,204 | $64,337 | +19% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $36,878 | $61,313 | +66% |
| University at Buffalo | $29,390 | $39,206 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Binghamton UniversityVestal | $10,363 | $40,434 | $53,830 | $20,596 | 0.51 |
 SUNY OneontaOneonta | $8,812 | $38,784 | — | $20,500 | 0.53 |
 SUNY College at GeneseoGeneseo | $8,966 | $33,758 | — | $14,575 | 0.43 |
 University at BuffaloBuffalo | $10,782 | $29,390 | $39,206 | $24,255 | 0.83 |
| National Median | — | $38,726 | — | $22,657 | 0.59 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with geography and cartography graduates
Geographers
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Wind Energy Development Managers
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
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.