Geography and Cartography at Coppin State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 on estimated figures suggests manageable financing, but the uncertainty here matters. Since Coppin State serves a majority Pell-eligible population—53% of students receive these need-based grants—many families will be navigating this decision with limited financial cushion. The estimated $24,441 in debt aligns with what other geography programs in Maryland typically produce, while projected first-year earnings of $38,726 track closely with the national median. These estimates come from peer programs across the country and within Maryland, not from Coppin State's own graduates in this field.

Maryland's geography market shows significant variation. University of Maryland-College Park graduates report earning $40,913 in their first year, while Salisbury University graduates start considerably lower at $25,255. Where Coppin State's program would fall in that range remains unclear without actual graduate outcomes. The field itself tends toward public sector and technical mapping roles, which offer stability but rarely dramatic salary growth in early years. For families counting on specific earning outcomes to justify the investment, this lack of program-specific data creates real planning challenges.

The financing looks workable on paper if the estimates hold, but you're essentially betting on outcomes from similar programs elsewhere applying to Coppin State. If your child is committed to geography and drawn to Coppin State's mission and location in Baltimore, the estimated numbers don't present obvious red flags—but confirm placement support and alumni outcomes before committing.