Geography and Cartography at Ohio University-Southern Campus
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ohio University-Southern Campus graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all geography and cartography bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $33,199 | $42,424 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $44,789 | $54,449 | $23,250 | 0.52 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $33,199 | $42,424 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $33,199 | $42,424 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus | $33,199 | $42,424 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| Ohio University-Lancaster Campus | $33,199 | $42,424 | $26,000 | 0.78 |
| National Median | $38,726 | — | $22,657 | 0.59 |
Other Geography and Cartography Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $44,789 | $23,250 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $33,199 | $26,000 |
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe | $6,178 | $33,199 | $26,000 |
| Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville | $6,178 | $33,199 | $26,000 |
| Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster | $6,178 | $33,199 | $26,000 |
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.