Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at SUNY Oneonta

Median Earnings (1yr)

$38,784

50th percentile

60th percentile in New York

Median Debt

$20,500

10% below national median

Analysis

SUNY Oneonta's Geography and Cartography program shows graduates earning nearly $39,000 in their first year—a solid start that outpaces most geography programs across New York State, landing in the 60th percentile. That's a meaningful edge when you consider the state median sits around $36,000, and it puts graduates ahead of larger programs like Buffalo. The $20,500 in median debt is also below both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53.

The main caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 recent graduates tracked, these numbers could shift considerably with just a few data points. Geography and cartography programs vary widely in their focus—some lean technical (GIS, remote sensing), others theoretical—and career trajectories can differ substantially based on that emphasis. First-year earnings around $39,000 suggest decent entry-level opportunities, though growth potential will depend heavily on whether graduates develop specialized technical skills or pursue graduate education.

For families comfortable with modest initial earnings and reasonable debt, this program appears positioned better than most in-state alternatives. Just recognize that the small sample size means you're working with less certainty than you'd have with larger programs, and geography careers often require strategic skill-building beyond the bachelor's degree to reach higher earning tiers.

Where SUNY Oneonta Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How SUNY Oneonta graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (22 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
SUNY OneontaOneonta	$8,812	$38,784	—	$20,500	0.53
Binghamton UniversityVestal	$10,363	$40,434	$53,830	$20,596	0.51
SUNY College at GeneseoGeneseo	$8,966	$33,758	—	$14,575	0.43
University at BuffaloBuffalo	$10,782	$29,390	$39,206	$24,255	0.83
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

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 SUNY Oneonta, approximately 33% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.