Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at California State University-Sacramento

Median Earnings (1yr)

$48,227

95th percentile

80th percentile in California

Median Debt

$15,881

30% below national median

Analysis

Sacramento State's geography and cartography program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that beat 95% of similar programs nationwide and ranking among California's top three for this field. At $48,227 in first-year earnings—$13,000 above the state median and $10,000 above the national average—graduates here earn more than those from UCLA or UC Santa Barbara, despite Sacramento State's 94% acceptance rate making it far more accessible.

The financial package is equally compelling: $15,881 in typical debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates owe roughly four months' salary. Combined with steady 9% earnings growth through year four, reaching $52,747, this creates one of the clearest paths to financial stability in geography programs anywhere. The university serves a substantial population of first-generation and lower-income students (49% receive Pell grants), making these outcomes particularly meaningful.

For California families, this represents an unusually straightforward choice in a field that often delivers mixed results. The program costs less than most state alternatives while consistently outearning programs at more selective institutions. Whether your student is interested in GIS technology, urban planning, or environmental mapping, Sacramento State appears to have robust industry connections in the capital region that translate directly into job placement.

Where California State University-Sacramento Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How California State University-Sacramento 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
California State University-Sacramento	$48,227	$52,747	+9%
University of California-Los Angeles	$36,776	$60,363	+64%
University of California-Santa Barbara	$37,398	$57,435	+54%
California State University-Northridge	$27,002	$54,884	+103%
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona	$35,426	$52,882	+49%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
California State University-SacramentoSacramento	$7,602	$48,227	$52,747	$15,881	0.33
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park	$8,190	$40,614	—	$11,000	0.27
California State University-ChicoChico	$8,064	$40,380	$50,787	$19,250	0.48
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego	$8,290	$38,648	—	$14,999	0.39
University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara	$14,965	$37,398	$57,435	$13,750	0.37
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles	$13,747	$36,776	$60,363	$13,969	0.38
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with geography and cartography graduates

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

$51,940/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

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 California State University-Sacramento, approximately 49% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.