Geography and Cartography at Florida State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Florida State's geography program shows concerning underperformance within the state. At $35,608 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $6,000 less than the Florida median for this field—landing in just the 40th percentile statewide. The gap with University of Florida is even starker at over $8,000. Given FSU's competitive 25% admission rate and strong SAT scores, students here are likely capable of accessing higher-earning geography programs within the state system.
The debt picture offers a silver lining: at $26,707, borrowing sits well below both national and state medians, ranking in the 11th percentile nationally. The 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, and 18% earnings growth by year four suggests graduates find their footing. Still, even after four years, the $42,075 median trails both UF and USF outcomes.
The major caveat: this data comes from a very small sample of recent graduates, which could skew results significantly. A few graduates pursuing public sector work or graduate school could drag down these numbers. If your child is passionate about geography and values FSU's campus culture, the reasonable debt load means this isn't a disastrous choice—but comparing outcomes with UF's geography program makes sense before committing.
Where Florida State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Florida State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida State University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 36th percentile of all geography and cartography bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | $35,608 | $42,075 | $26,707 | 0.75 |
| University of Florida | $43,856 | $54,432 | $18,600 | 0.42 |
| University of Florida-Online | $43,856 | $54,432 | $18,600 | 0.42 |
| University of South Florida | $39,259 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $38,726 | — | $22,657 | 0.59 |
Other Geography and Cartography Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida Gainesville | $6,381 | $43,856 | $18,600 |
| University of Florida-Online Gainesville | $3,876 | $43,856 | $18,600 |
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $39,259 | — |
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 State University, approximately 24% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.