Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Saginaw Valley State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,750

Est. from MI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Geographic information systems and cartography skills are in demand, but the estimated $38,726 first-year salary based on comparable programs nationally suggests this bachelor's degree may produce more modest initial returns than many technical fields. With projected debt around $23,750—derived from similar programs at Michigan public universities—graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which is manageable but requires careful budgeting in those crucial early career years.

The limited graduate sample that necessitates these estimates tells its own story: Saginaw Valley produces relatively few geography majors annually, which could mean either a specialized niche program or one with limited resources and networking opportunities. For context, Eastern Michigan's geography graduates earn around $41,000, suggesting there's potential upside in Michigan's geospatial job market, though outcomes vary by institution and individual career path. The field itself offers diverse trajectories—from urban planning to environmental consulting to tech-focused GIS roles—where actual earnings can diverge significantly from these first-year averages.

Given the estimation uncertainty and the modest projected starting salary, families should scrutinize Saginaw Valley's specific geography curriculum and career placement support. Does the program offer strong GIS software training? Are there internship partnerships with regional employers? The numbers suggest reasonable but not exceptional value, making those programmatic details essential for determining whether this investment makes sense for your student's particular career goals.

Where Saginaw Valley State University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Saginaw Valley State UniversityUniversity Center	$12,240	$38,726*	—	$23,750*	—
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$41,103*	—	$17,425*	0.42
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$35,838*	$46,379	$20,500*	0.57
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 Saginaw Valley State University, approximately 32% 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.