Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Texas A&M University-College Station

Median Earnings (1yr)

$54,204

95th percentile

80th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$16,479

27% below national median

Analysis

Texas A&M's geography program delivers something rare: graduates earning $54,204 in their first year—a full 40% above the national median and 36% above what other Texas geography programs produce. This places A&M in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Texas, outpacing even UT Austin by nearly $17,000. The $16,479 in median debt is notably lower than both the national ($22,657) and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their debt in under four months of gross earnings.

The momentum continues after graduation, with earnings climbing 19% to $64,337 by year four. This trajectory suggests the technical skills in GIS and spatial analysis translate into strong career advancement. While geography isn't traditionally seen as a high-earning field, A&M's strong corporate and government connections in Texas—particularly in energy, urban planning, and environmental sectors—appear to create opportunities that most geography programs can't match.

For families concerned about ROI, this program offers an unusually strong case: minimal debt, starting salaries that beat most liberal arts degrees, and upward earnings growth. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary, but the data suggests A&M has found a formula that works considerably better than typical geography programs.

Where Texas A&M University-College Station Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Texas A&M University-College Station graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Texas A&M University-College Station	$54,204	$64,337	+19%
The University of Texas at Austin	$36,878	$61,313	+66%
University of North Texas	$39,960	$49,951	+25%
Texas State University	$44,909	$48,307	+8%
Sam Houston State University	$35,936	$45,328	+26%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$54,204	$64,337	$16,479	0.30
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos	$11,450	$44,909	$48,307	$22,657	0.50
University of North TexasDenton	$11,164	$39,960	$49,951	$20,994	0.53
The University of Texas at AustinAustin	$11,678	$36,878	$61,313	$21,875	0.59
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville	$9,228	$35,936	$45,328	$25,156	0.70
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 Texas A&M University-College Station, approximately 19% 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 52 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.