Location: Tuscaloosa, AL•In-State Tuition: $11,900•Out-of-State Tuition: $33,200•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1287
Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,546
62nd percentile
40th percentile in Alabama
Median Debt
$23,750
5% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.59 ManageableSample: 18 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Alabama's Geography and Cartography program shows impressive earnings growth, with graduates jumping from $40,546 to $55,745 between years one and four—a 38% increase that outpaces what most bachelor's programs deliver. The debt load of $23,750 is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Compared to the national median of $38,726, these graduates are earning about $2,000 more right out of the gate.

The state comparison reveals an interesting wrinkle: while this program ranks in the 62nd percentile nationally, it falls to just the 40th percentile among Alabama's geography programs. University of North Alabama edges ahead slightly with $41,076 in first-year earnings. However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—means these numbers could shift considerably year to year and may not represent every graduate's experience.

For parents weighing this choice, the trajectory matters more than the starting point. That $55,745 four-year mark suggests the degree opens doors that widen over time, likely as graduates move into GIS specialist, urban planning, or environmental consulting roles. The modest debt makes this a low-risk bet, even if the small cohort size means you should verify current program strength through recent placement data.

Where The University of Alabama Stands

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

The University of AlabamaOther geography and cartography programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How The University of Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally

The University of Alabama earns $41k — 62th percentile among geography and cartography bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
The University of Alabama$40,546$55,745+37%
University of Maryland-College Park$40,913$65,748+61%
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 Alabama$41,076$49,574+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$40,546$55,745$23,7500.59
University of North AlabamaFlorence$11,990$41,076$49,574$28,5000.69
National Median—$38,726—$22,6570.59

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 The University of Alabama, approximately 18% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.