Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Syracuse University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,271

Est. from NY median (4 programs)

Median Debt

$27,000

19% above national median

Analysis

Syracuse's Geography and Cartography program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground: similar programs across New York suggest first-year earnings around $36,000, while this private university saddles graduates with $27,000 in debt—more than either the state or national median for the major. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means nearly nine months of gross income would go toward loans, a burden that looks heavier when you consider Syracuse's 42% admission rate doesn't command the employment premium of more selective institutions.

The earnings estimate itself reveals the program's scale challenge—too few graduates for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. Meanwhile, comparable SUNY programs produce similar or better earning potential at dramatically lower debt levels, with schools like Binghamton reporting over $40,000 in first-year earnings. Geography and cartography degrees nationally cluster around $39,000 in starting pay, suggesting the field itself offers modest compensation regardless of where you study.

For a family paying Syracuse's tuition premium, the math is stark: you're taking on above-average debt for below-average earning potential in a field where the SUNY system offers better value. Unless this program provides exceptional GIS training, industry connections, or graduate school placement that justifies the cost difference, state schools appear to deliver comparable outcomes without the financial strain.

Where Syracuse University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's 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
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse	$63,061	$36,271*	—	$27,000	—
Binghamton UniversityVestal	$10,363	$40,434*	$53,830	$20,596	0.51
SUNY OneontaOneonta	$8,812	$38,784*	—	$20,500	0.53
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

* 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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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 median of 4 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.