Geography and Cartography at The University of Alabama

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.