Geography and Cartography at University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA's geography program faces a challenging first year—graduates earn $36,776 initially, trailing both the national median and falling in the 41st percentile nationally. But here's what matters: among California's 22 geography programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, and the earnings trajectory tells a more complete story. By year four, median earnings jump to $60,363, a 64% increase that outpaces what you'll see at most geography programs nationwide. The debt burden of just under $14,000 is exceptional—landing in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt and well below California's typical $15,000.

The numbers suggest this program may serve as a gateway rather than a terminal degree. That rocky first year likely reflects graduates pursuing graduate school, internships, or entry positions in competitive fields like urban planning or environmental analysis where UCLA's brand opens doors. For a family focused purely on immediate post-graduation income, programs like Sacramento State show stronger year-one results at $48,227. But if your child is considering graduate school or values UCLA's research opportunities and career network, the combination of minimal debt and strong earnings growth by year four creates breathing room for those next steps without financial strain hanging overhead.