Geography and Cartography at California State University-Stanislaus

Based on comparable Geography and Cartography programs across California, this bachelor's degree suggests first-year earnings around $35,400 against an estimated $15,000 in debt—a manageable 0.42 ratio that means roughly five months of gross income to clear student loans. That's significantly less debt than the national median of $22,700 for this field, which matters for the 55% of students here receiving Pell grants. However, the earnings picture tells a more cautious story: similar programs at CSU Sacramento and Chico are producing graduates who earn $40,000-$48,000 in their first year, suggesting meaningful variation in outcomes even within California's state university system.

The challenge with Geography and Cartography degrees is that career trajectories depend heavily on whether graduates move into GIS-focused technical roles (urban planning, environmental consulting) or more general positions. At this estimated earnings level, graduates would be starting below both the national median for this field ($38,700) and well behind the strongest programs in the state. For a family weighing this investment, the relatively low debt load provides breathing room, but the uncertainty about both the actual outcomes for CSU Stanislaus specifically and the field's earning potential locally should factor into the decision. If your student is committed to geography, pressing the school for more concrete placement and salary data—or comparing transfer options within the CSU system—would be wise before committing.