Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Front Range Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,996

Est. from CO median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,135

Est. from CO median (4 programs)

Analysis

A bachelor's degree in geography and cartography from a community college is unusual—these programs typically live at four-year institutions, which makes estimating outcomes particularly tricky. Based on peer programs across Colorado, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $37,000 against estimated debt of $22,135. That's a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly seven months of gross income to cover student loans.

What's worth noting is how similar programs in Colorado vary dramatically in their outcomes. Metro State graduates start at nearly $45,000, while CU Boulder—typically considered the flagship—shows graduates earning just $32,000. This wide spread suggests that where you complete the degree and what specific skills you emphasize matter enormously in this field. Community colleges rarely offer bachelor's degrees in geography (this may be part of a statewide reverse-transfer program), so verifying the exact credential path and whether it leads to the technical GIS skills that command higher salaries becomes critical.

The relatively modest debt projection works in this program's favor, but the earnings estimate sits below what geography majors achieve nationally ($38,726). If your student plans to pursue GIS or mapping technology roles—where demand is stronger—confirm this program includes substantial technical training rather than traditional liberal arts geography coursework. Otherwise, you may be paying for a degree that doesn't align with where the geography job market actually is.

Where Front Range Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster	$4,740	$36,996*	—	$22,135*	—
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver	$10,780	$44,861*	—	$35,136*	0.78
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver	$10,017	$39,104*	$50,825	$22,468*	0.57
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley	$12,010	$36,996*	—	—*	—
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs	$9,712	$36,426*	$41,964	$17,500*	0.48
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder	$16,430	$32,078*	$54,616	$21,802*	0.68
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 Front Range Community College, approximately 16% 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 5 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.