Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Ohio University-Southern Campus

Median Earnings (1yr)

$33,199

25th percentile

60th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$26,000

15% above national median

Analysis

Ohio University-Southern's Geography and Cartography program produces starting salaries around $33,000—below the national median for this field but right at Ohio's median. That 60th percentile state ranking might seem encouraging until you notice that all five Ohio University regional campuses cluster at identical earnings figures, suggesting these graduates may be competing in the same regional job market with limited opportunity for geographic specialization. The main Columbus campus produces graduates earning 35% more, which tells you something about where Ohio's higher-paying geography jobs actually are.

The $26,000 debt load creates a manageable but tight first-year burden, with graduates needing to dedicate about three-quarters of their starting salary to cover educational costs—higher than ideal but workable if earnings continue growing. The 28% jump to $42,400 by year four does improve the financial picture considerably, though you're still only reaching what many geography grads earn right out of college at stronger programs.

For families considering this degree, the central question is whether your student plans to stay in southeastern Ohio. If they're willing to relocate to Columbus, Cincinnati, or out of state, they might find the credential limiting compared to what they'd get from the main campus. If staying local is the priority and they're genuinely drawn to cartography or GIS work, the moderate debt and steady earnings growth make this a reasonable path—just not one that positions them at the forefront of a competitive field.

Where Ohio University-Southern Campus Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Ohio University-Southern Campus	$33,199	$42,424	+28%
Ohio State University-Main Campus	$44,789	$54,449	+22%
Ohio University-Eastern Campus	$33,199	$42,424	+28%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus	$33,199	$42,424	+28%
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus	$33,199	$42,424	+28%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton	$6,178	$33,199	$42,424	$26,000	0.78
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$44,789	$54,449	$23,250	0.52
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville	$6,178	$33,199	$42,424	$26,000	0.78
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe	$6,178	$33,199	$42,424	$26,000	0.78
Ohio University-Zanesville CampusZanesville	$6,178	$33,199	$42,424	$26,000	0.78
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster	$6,178	$33,199	$42,424	$26,000	0.78
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

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 Ohio University-Southern Campus, approximately 12% 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 47 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.