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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,558

Est. from FL median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$18,600

Est. from FL median (3 programs)

Analysis

Can you build a mapping career with a Geography degree from FIU? Based on comparable programs in Florida, graduates typically start around $42,000—solidly above the national median for this field and matching the state average. That's practical money, though not spectacular, and the estimated debt load of $18,600 keeps the financial burden manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45. For context, University of Florida's geography graduates earn slightly more at $44,000, but FIU's estimates align closely with what most Florida programs deliver.

The challenge is placement uncertainty. Geography and Cartography is a specialized field where individual program quality, GIS skills training, and internship connections matter enormously. With over 300 programs nationally but only 9 in Florida, this isn't a crowded market—but it's one where employers hire based on specific technical competencies. FIU serves a large population of first-generation college students (40% receive Pell grants), which suggests strong support services, but you'll want to verify that this program offers robust GIS software training and connections to urban planning, environmental consulting, or government mapping positions in South Florida.

The estimated figures suggest reasonable value if your child is genuinely interested in spatial analysis and mapping work. Before committing, confirm what mapping technologies the curriculum emphasizes and what recent graduates are actually doing—that matters more here than the general salary estimates.

Where Florida International 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Florida International UniversityMiami	$6,565	$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 International University, approximately 40% 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.