Geography and Cartography at Salisbury University

The dramatic 99% earnings jump—from $25,255 to $50,200 between years one and four—tells you something important about Salisbury's Geography program: graduates likely start in entry-level roles that significantly underpay their eventual market value. That first-year figure ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, but by year four, earnings nearly match the strong performance of University of Maryland-College Park's program ($40,913). The $25,000 debt load is reasonable and closely aligned with both state and national medians.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing dramatically from year to year. Among Maryland's eight Geography programs, this one sits at the 25th percentile, suggesting it's in the bottom half of state options. However, if the four-year earnings pattern holds, you're looking at a respectable outcome for a program at a school with an 89% acceptance rate and moderate debt.

For parents, the question is whether your student can weather those lean first years. If they're planning graduate school or can live at home initially, that tough start becomes more manageable. But if they need immediate financial independence, this program's trajectory—while ultimately positive—could create real hardship in those critical early months after graduation. The small sample size also means you're betting on limited data.