Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Eastern Kentucky University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,359

Est. from national median (86 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, though the estimated $38,700 first-year salary requires some perspective. Based on comparable geography and cartography programs nationally, this falls right at the median—not particularly strong for a field that can range dramatically depending on whether graduates land GIS analyst positions with government agencies or drift into less technical roles. The University of Louisville, Kentucky's only other program with reported outcomes, shows similar earnings around $37,800, suggesting the state's job market for geography majors is fairly consistent but not especially robust.

The $22,400 in estimated debt is manageable on paper—monthly payments would run about $250 for ten years—but that assumes graduates secure positions using their geographic skills immediately. Eastern Kentucky's student profile (39% Pell-eligible, 1089 average SAT) suggests many students may need additional time to build technical competencies in GIS software and spatial analysis that employers expect. Geography degrees can open doors in urban planning, environmental consulting, and data visualization, but they can also leave graduates competing for generic office work if they don't build a strong technical portfolio.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether your student will pursue the technical GIS track that commands better salaries or treat geography as a general liberal arts degree. The estimated numbers suggest a workable outcome if they go technical, but without stronger earnings data to confirm Eastern Kentucky's specific placement success, that's an assumption you're making with real dollars.

Where Eastern Kentucky University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond	$10,130	$38,726*	—	$22,359*	—
University of LouisvilleLouisville	$12,828	$37,844*	$39,846	—*	—
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 Eastern Kentucky University, approximately 39% 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 national median of 95 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.