Geography and Cartography (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Grand Valley State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$36,895

18th percentile

60th percentile in Michigan

Median Debt

$23,250

5% above national median

Analysis

Grand Valley State University's Geography and Cartography certificate produces first-year earnings of $36,895—about $4,400 below the national median for similar programs. That said, Michigan is a particularly weak market for geography credentials, and GVSU actually sits at the state median, landing in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs. The problem isn't necessarily this school's execution; it's that geography certificates struggle to compete in the Michigan job market across the board.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,250, creating a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. Students will owe about 63 cents for every dollar they earn in their first year, which is workable if those earnings grow. The bigger question is career trajectory: certificate programs can serve as stepping stones to bachelor's degrees or specialized technical roles, but at under $37,000 starting pay, graduates need a clear plan for advancement. For students certain about GIS work or urban planning pathways where this certificate provides a foundation, the investment pencils out. For those treating it as a standalone credential hoping to immediately launch a career, the modest earnings suggest reconsidering whether a full bachelor's degree might open more doors—or whether Michigan is the right state for geography-focused work at all.

Where Grand Valley State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Grand Valley State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Geography and Cartography certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$36,895	—	$23,250	0.63
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato	$9,490	$50,411	—	—	—
DePaul UniversityChicago	$44,460	$47,464	—	$23,412	0.49
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos	$11,450	$44,270	—	$25,385	0.57
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton	$4,879	$42,833	—	$19,692	0.46
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater	$8,250	$42,580	—	—	—
National Median	—	$41,294	—	$22,197	0.54

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 Grand Valley State University, approximately 26% 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.