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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$35,426

Est. from CA median (13 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$14,999

Est. from CA median (11 programs)

Analysis

California's geography and cartography programs show substantial earning variation, and based on peer institutions statewide, Cal State San Bernardino likely falls at the median—around $35,000 in first-year earnings. That's about $3,300 below the national benchmark and roughly $13,000 behind top California programs like Sacramento State. With estimated debt of $15,000, graduates would be looking at manageable monthly payments of around $150-170, but the starting salary means those payments claim a meaningful chunk of early-career paychecks.

The debt burden here appears reasonable compared to what similar programs nationally carry ($22,657 median), though the earnings gap matters more. Geography degrees can lead to diverse careers—urban planning, GIS analysis, environmental consulting—where advancement often requires specialized skills or graduate work. At a school serving 57% Pell-eligible students with near-open admissions, this program offers an accessible entry point to these fields, but comparable programs in California demonstrate that outcomes can vary significantly by institution.

For families considering this path, the moderate estimated debt works in your favor, but recognize you're likely looking at modest starting wages even in California's higher cost-of-living environment. If your student is passionate about spatial analysis and mapping technology, building strong GIS software skills during the degree could help close that earnings gap with higher-performing programs.

Where California State University-San Bernardino Stands

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

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-San BernardinoSan Bernardino	$7,675	$35,426*	—	$14,999*	—
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
National Median	—	$38,726*	—	$22,657*	0.59

* Estimated from similar programs

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-San Bernardino, approximately 57% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.