Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Marshall University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,359

Est. from national median (86 programs)

Analysis

Is Marshall University's geography program a smart financial bet when nearly all the numbers come from national averages rather than actual graduate outcomes? Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $38,700 against estimated debt of $22,400 creates a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their salary. That's reasonable on paper, though West Virginia's geography programs typically produce lower earnings, with the state median closer to $34,400. If Marshall's outcomes align more with state patterns than national ones, the financial picture tightens considerably.

The challenge here is the uncertainty itself. When a program has too few graduates for the Department of Education to publish outcomes, you're essentially flying blind. This could mean the program is small and specialized, or it could signal limited job market demand. Geography and cartography can lead to solid GIS (geographic information systems) careers in government, utilities, or planning departments, but those opportunities may be concentrated outside West Virginia. Marshall's 96% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest it serves a broad student population, not necessarily one positioned for the most competitive geography positions.

Given the reliance on national estimates in a state where geography programs typically underperform those benchmarks, parents should treat this as a higher-risk choice. The debt load itself isn't alarming, but you're investing based on hope rather than evidence that Marshall specifically delivers on geography career preparation.

Where Marshall University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (3 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Marshall UniversityHuntington	$8,942	$38,726*	—	$22,359*	—
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown	$9,648	$34,435*	$49,126	$23,089*	0.67
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 Marshall University, approximately 38% 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 national median of 95 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.