Geography and Cartography at Tarleton State University

A $40,000 starting salary against $21,435 in debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54—roughly in line with what peer geography programs across Texas typically produce. Based on comparable programs in the state, this credential should allow graduates to handle their loan payments without excessive strain, though they won't be commanding premium salaries in their first year out.

The challenge with Tarleton's geography program is that comparable programs in Texas show a wide earnings spread, from nearly $54,000 at Texas A&M to the mid-$30,000s at Sam Houston State. Geography careers can vary dramatically—from GIS specialists in energy or tech to teaching to government positions—and your child's specific career path will matter more than the credential itself. The estimated $40,000 figure represents a middle-of-the-pack outcome for Texas geography graduates, which is reasonable but not exceptional.

For a family considering this program, the key question is what your child plans to do with the degree. If they're targeting GIS or spatial analysis roles that require technical skills, they'll need to build those competencies through coursework, internships, or certifications. The debt load won't be crushing either way, but the earnings ceiling depends heavily on developing marketable technical expertise beyond what the degree alone signals to employers.