Location: Denver, CO•In-State Tuition: $10,780•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,503•Admission Rate: 99%•Avg SAT: 1014
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,861
87th percentile
60th percentile in Colorado
Median Debt
$35,136
55% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.78 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Metropolitan State University of Denver's geography program defies expectations for an open-enrollment institution. Graduates earn $44,861 their first year—outperforming 87% of geography programs nationally and sitting above Colorado's top programs like UC Denver ($39,104) and even flagship Boulder ($32,078). This is particularly impressive given MSU Denver's 99% admission rate and serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (35%).

The debt load of $35,136 exceeds both national and state medians by roughly $12,000-13,000, though the 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable. Graduates earn enough in year one to justify the borrowing, though families should note this is higher debt than peer Colorado programs. The real question is whether these cartography and GIS skills hold their value over time—geography roles can vary widely from municipal planning to tech-focused mapping positions.

The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so these numbers could swing significantly year to year. However, if your child is specifically interested in geography or GIS and you're Colorado residents, this program delivers stronger earning potential than the state's flagship universities at a more accessible price point. Just plan for that above-average debt load and verify the program still offers the technical cartography training that likely drives these earnings.

Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands

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

Metropolitan State University of DenverOther geography and cartography programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Metropolitan State University of Denver graduates compare to all programs nationally

Metropolitan State University of Denver earns $45k — 87th percentile among geography and cartography bachelors programs.

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver$10,780$44,861—$35,1360.78
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver$10,017$39,104$50,825$22,4680.57
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley$12,010$36,996———
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs$9,712$36,426$41,964$17,5000.48
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder$16,430$32,078$54,616$21,8020.68
National Median—$38,726—$22,6570.59

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 Metropolitan State University of Denver, approximately 35% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.