Geography and Cartography at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

Geography programs across New York show considerable variation in outcomes, with the strongest graduates earning over $40,000 in their first year while others start below $30,000. Based on comparable programs in the state, CUNY's geography bachelor's puts graduates near the middle of this range at an estimated $36,271—slightly below the national median of $38,726 but typical for New York overall.

The estimated debt load of $20,548 creates a manageable ratio of 0.57, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months' salary. This compares favorably to the state median debt of $22,426 and suggests the program delivers reasonable value, particularly for students from working-class backgrounds (38% receive Pell grants). Geography isn't a high-earning field immediately after graduation, but starting around $36,000 with moderate debt leaves room for financial stability while building career experience.

The challenge is uncertainty. With only four similar programs providing the basis for these estimates, actual outcomes for CUNY's specific graduates could differ meaningfully. If your child is considering this path, focus on whether geography aligns with their career interests—the financial picture appears workable, but only if the credential leads to relevant employment. A backup plan or clear sense of how to leverage the degree matters more here than marginal differences in projected earnings.