Geography and Cartography at James Madison University

James Madison's geography and cartography program punches well above its weight nationally, with graduates earning 16% more than the typical graduate in this field. That $45,094 starting salary lands in the 88th percentile nationwide—impressive for a program at a school with a 76% acceptance rate. The $19,800 in median debt is also below the national average for this degree, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. Within Virginia, the program sits squarely in the middle of the pack, trailing George Mason but outpacing Virginia Tech.

The 22% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are building marketable skills that translate to career advancement. By year four, median earnings reach $55,054, which is solid for a field that sometimes struggles with wage growth. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers are reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary.

For parents weighing this option, the value proposition is straightforward: your child gets access to a respected state university at a reasonable price point, with graduates earning significantly more than peers from most other geography programs nationwide. If your student is genuinely interested in spatial analysis, GIS, or cartography—fields with growing applications in everything from urban planning to environmental consulting—this program delivers real career traction without excessive debt.