Geography and Cartography at Brigham Young University

BYU's Geography and Cartography program delivers an unusually low-debt education—just $10,360 at graduation, which puts it in the top 5% nationally for affordability. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates owe roughly three months of salary, an exceptional starting point compared to the national program median of $22,657. However, the earnings picture within Utah is more nuanced: while BYU graduates start slightly below the state median ($40,051 versus $40,552), they're essentially on par with University of Utah geography grads who earn $41,052.

The 25% earnings growth over four years—from $40K to nearly $50K—suggests solid career progression in fields like GIS analysis, urban planning, or environmental consulting. This trajectory outpaces many bachelor's programs where earnings plateau quickly. The combination of minimal debt and steady wage growth creates genuine financial breathing room for graduates, whether they're pursuing graduate school or entering the workforce directly.

For parents weighing this choice, the math is straightforward: your student graduates with manageable debt and earnings that climb meaningfully. While this won't lead to six-figure salaries, it's a fiscally sound path into spatial analysis and mapping careers that increasingly drive decisions in tech, government, and environmental sectors.