Geography and Cartography at University of California-Santa Barbara

UCSB's geography program starts slower than most competitors but compensates with remarkable earnings trajectory—jumping 54% from $37,000 to $57,000 between years one and four. That's unusual momentum for a geography degree, where earnings often plateau early. While first-year numbers trail programs like Sacramento State ($48,000), by year four UCSB graduates are pulling ahead of nearly everyone except a few California outliers.

The debt picture is genuinely excellent at $13,750, landing in the 95th percentile nationally and well below California's typical $15,000 for this major. That creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio even in the slower first year. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among California geography programs—respectable given how concentrated the field is in this state with 22 competing options.

The key question is whether your student can weather that initial year earning $37,000, likely in entry-level GIS or research positions. If they can—perhaps with family support or by minimizing living costs—the payoff appears substantial. The strong earnings growth suggests UCSB's geography graduates are moving into mid-level analyst, planning, or technical roles that command better compensation. For a family comfortable with a slower start in exchange for low debt and strong growth potential, this works.