Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Texas Tech University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$39,960

Est. from TX median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$21,435

Est. from TX median (6 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $21,000 against first-year earnings near $40,000 positions this geography program in the middle of the pack for Texas. Similar programs across the state suggest graduates enter the workforce earning close to the state median, with debt that's slightly below the national benchmark for this field. The 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means manageable monthly payments—though not the financial cushion families often hope for from a four-year degree.

What's harder to assess here is Texas Tech's specific outcomes trajectory. The actual earnings data for this program is suppressed due to small graduate numbers, so we're relying on peer program performance across Texas. Geography and cartography programs show significant variation in the state—from Texas A&M grads earning $54,000 to Sam Houston State grads starting around $36,000. Where Texas Tech falls in that spectrum depends on factors like whether graduates pursue GIS certification, land surveying roles, or urban planning positions—career paths that command different salaries.

The question for your family isn't whether geography is a viable major (the state data suggests it can be), but whether Texas Tech's specific program and network will deliver outcomes closer to the top or bottom of that range. Without actual graduate data, you're making an investment based on the field's typical performance rather than this school's proven track record. If your student is committed to geography, inquire directly about job placement rates and whether most graduates stay in Texas, where the field appears more stable than nationally.

Where Texas Tech University Stands

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

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 Tech UniversityLubbock	$11,852	$39,960*	—	$21,435*	—
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

* 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 Texas Tech University, approximately 26% 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 5 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.