Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Florida Atlantic University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,558

Est. from FL median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$18,600

Est. from FL median (3 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Geography and Cartography programs across Florida, this bachelor's degree sits squarely in the middle of the pack—though the small sample size makes it impossible to know how FAU's actual outcomes compare. The estimated $41,558 first-year earnings matches the state median and runs slightly above the national benchmark of $38,726, while the projected $18,600 debt load comes in notably lower than the national median of $22,657. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests a manageable financial starting point, assuming these peer-program estimates hold true.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual because geography careers vary widely. Some graduates move into GIS analysis roles with strong earning potential, while others enter education or nonprofit work with tighter budgets. FAU's estimated figures fall between University of Florida's $43,856 and Florida State's $35,608—a $8,000 spread that could significantly impact early financial stability. Without knowing where FAU's actual graduates land in this range, you're essentially betting on the average.

If your child is committed to geography and Florida Atlantic offers other advantages—location, specific faculty expertise, or cost of attendance—the estimated debt burden won't create crushing obligations. But recognize you're making this decision with incomplete information about this particular program's track record. The field itself has growth potential, especially in tech-adjacent GIS work, but outcomes depend heavily on which career path your child pursues after graduation.

Where Florida Atlantic University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton	$4,879	$41,558*	—	$18,600*	—
University of FloridaGainesville	$6,381	$43,856*	$54,432	$18,600*	0.42
University of Florida-OnlineGainesville	$3,876	$43,856*	$54,432	$18,600*	0.42
University of South FloridaTampa	$6,410	$39,259*	—	—*	—
Florida State UniversityTallahassee	$5,656	$35,608*	$42,075	$26,707*	0.75
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 Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% 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 4 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.