Geography and Cartography at The University of Texas at Dallas

Based on comparable Geography and Cartography programs in Texas, UT Dallas graduates can expect first-year earnings around $40,000—right at the state median but well below what Texas A&M grads command at $54,000. The estimated $21,435 in debt produces a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning you'd owe about half your first year's salary. That's better than the national median for this field and suggests the financial burden, while not trivial, shouldn't be crushing.

The challenge is that geography degrees, even from strong Texas schools, tend to produce modest starting salaries. Similar programs across the state cluster in the $36,000-$45,000 range, with only Texas A&M breaking significantly higher. UT Dallas sits squarely in the middle of this pack—neither exceptional nor concerning compared to peer institutions. The university's solid academic profile (1300 SAT average) suggests students have options, yet the geography program appears to produce typical outcomes for this field in Texas.

For parents, this translates to a straightforward calculation: your child would likely graduate with debt equal to roughly half their first year's salary in a field where early earnings are moderate but predictable. If they're passionate about spatial analysis or GIS work and have realistic salary expectations, the numbers work. Just understand that geography isn't a high-earning major out of the gate, and these estimates—while based on multiple Texas programs—don't guarantee what this specific cohort will experience.