Geography and Cartography at Plymouth State University

The estimated earnings figures for this program—$38,726 in the first year based on national peer programs—lag considerably behind what Geography and Cartography graduates typically earn elsewhere in New Hampshire, where the median sits at $56,756. That's an $18,000 gap that deserves attention, especially since Dartmouth's program achieves those higher figures. Whether this reflects differences in curriculum focus, student preparation, or regional job placement patterns isn't clear from the available data, but the disparity suggests Plymouth State graduates may face different career trajectories than their in-state counterparts.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: an estimated $22,359 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, producing a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio that most financial advisors would consider reasonable. Based on standard repayment terms, graduates would dedicate roughly 9-10% of their gross income to student loans—tight but workable for someone living frugally in their twenties.

The real question is whether Plymouth State's program provides the technical GIS skills, internship connections, and industry certifications that boost earning power in this field. Given the wide variation in outcomes for Geography programs—even within New Hampshire—you'll want concrete answers about job placement rates, employer partnerships, and what specific career paths recent graduates have taken before committing.