Geography and Cartography (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Florida Atlantic University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$42,833

75th percentile

60th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$19,692

11% below national median

Analysis

FAU's geography certificate delivers something rare: graduates earn above the national median while carrying less debt than typical peers. At $42,833 in first-year earnings, students land near the 75th percentile nationally—modest in absolute terms, but strong for this field. The debt load of $19,692 sits comfortably below the national median of $22,197, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that many four-year degree programs would envy.

The Florida context is particularly interesting here. With only six schools offering this certificate statewide, FAU holds its own at the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining the state's median debt level. For a program at a university with a 73% admission rate and significant Pell enrollment, these outcomes suggest solid career preparation without the financial burden that often accompanies specialized credentials.

The practical reality: graduates can reasonably expect to pay down this debt within two to three years of focused repayment. For students interested in GIS, urban planning, or environmental analysis careers who want credentials without committing to a full bachelor's degree, this certificate offers a legitimate entry point. Just understand you're trading higher long-term earnings potential for quicker workforce entry and manageable debt.

Where Florida Atlantic University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Geography and Cartography certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton	$4,879	$42,833	—	$19,692	0.46
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato	$9,490	$50,411	—	—	—
DePaul UniversityChicago	$44,460	$47,464	—	$23,412	0.49
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos	$11,450	$44,270	—	$25,385	0.57
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater	$8,250	$42,580	—	—	—
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe	$12,051	$41,627	—	$19,691	0.47
National Median	—	$41,294	—	$22,197	0.54

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.

Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.