Geography and Cartography at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University's geography program graduates earn slightly below both state and national medians, landing in the 40th percentile among Michigan programs. With first-year earnings of $35,838 versus Michigan's $38,470 median, graduates start about $2,600 behind their in-state peers. The one bright spot: debt loads here run $3,250 lower than the state average, keeping the debt burden manageable at just over half a year's starting salary.

The 29% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find their footing, though even at year four, the $46,379 median trails what some Michigan programs deliver right out of the gate. Eastern Michigan, for instance, posts starting salaries $5,000 higher. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates tracked) means one or two outlier careers could swing these numbers significantly, so treat them as directional rather than definitive.

For families looking at geography programs in Michigan, this represents a below-average but not disastrous option. The combination of accessible admission (95% acceptance rate), moderate debt, and steady earnings growth makes it workable for students committed to this field—but parents should know their student will likely start behind peers at competing Michigan schools and may take several years to catch up financially.