Geography and Cartography at SUNY Oneonta

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.