Geography and Cartography at South Central College

A certificate in geography and cartography might seem like a specialized credential with strong job prospects, but the numbers tell a more cautionary story. Similar programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $41,000—and that's for graduates who've taken on roughly $22,000 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means you're looking at more than half a year's income going toward what was borrowed, which could strain a recent graduate's budget.

What's particularly striking is the gap between this program and others in Minnesota. The state's median for geography and cartography programs sits at $50,000—nearly $9,000 higher than what comparable certificate programs nationally suggest. Minnesota State University-Mankato, just down the road in the same city, reports exactly that $50,000 figure for its graduates. That gap raises real questions about whether a certificate-level credential provides the same career traction as a bachelor's degree in this field.

For parents weighing this investment, the key consideration is what the certificate opens up versus what it costs. If this serves as a stepping stone to a four-year degree or specialized GIS work where employers value the technical training, it could make sense. But as a standalone credential competing against bachelor's-prepared candidates in Minnesota's job market, the estimated outcomes suggest graduates may find themselves at a significant earnings disadvantage.