Geography and Cartography at Framingham State University

With estimated first-year earnings of $38,726 and debt around $22,359, this program's 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio aligns closely with what geography programs typically produce nationally. That's manageable—roughly half a year's salary in debt—though families should note these figures come from comparable programs rather than Framingham State's own graduates due to small class sizes.

The more encouraging signal comes from the four-year earnings figure of $48,506, which represents actual reported data. This 25% jump suggests the field rewards early career progression, and it positions Framingham State graduates well above other Massachusetts geography programs. Salem State's graduates earn $32,504 early on, while Clark University's earn just $29,713—making Framingham State's outcomes notably stronger despite its status as a regional public university serving many first-generation students.

For parents evaluating this program, the key question is career direction. Geography and cartography spans everything from GIS analysis to urban planning to environmental consulting, with vastly different earning trajectories. If your child has a clear path toward technical GIS work or data analysis roles, the debt level is reasonable and the four-year earnings suggest solid momentum. Without that clarity, however, the field's breadth becomes a risk—the same degree can lead to $50,000+ analyst positions or $35,000 nonprofit roles.