Geography and Cartography at California State University-Sacramento

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.