Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Median Earnings (1yr)

$36,426

40th percentile

Median Debt

$17,500

23% below national median

Analysis

UCCS Geography and Cartography graduates start at $36,426, which places them below both the national and Colorado medians for this field—actually earning less than typical geography graduates statewide. That's concerning since other Colorado schools like Metropolitan State ($44,861) and CU Denver ($39,104) produce notably stronger outcomes in the same program. The roughly $8,000 gap between UCCS and Metro State is particularly striking for students paying similar tuition rates.

The debt picture offers some compensation: at $17,500, graduates carry about 23% less debt than typical Colorado geography majors. Combined with the modest starting salary, the 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't terrible—graduates would need roughly six months of gross income to cover their loans. Earnings do climb to $41,964 by year four, showing 15% growth, which brings outcomes closer to competitive territory.

For Colorado families, this program represents middle-of-the-road value at best. The manageable debt prevents it from being a problematic choice, but the earnings lag behind what's clearly achievable at peer institutions. If your student is set on geography at UCCS, the financial outcome won't be disastrous, but Metropolitan State delivers substantially better results in the same field for similar investment.

Where University of Colorado Colorado Springs Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Colorado Colorado Springs graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Colorado Colorado Springs	$36,426	$41,964	+15%
University of Maryland-College Park	$40,913	$65,748	+61%
Texas A&M University-College Station	$54,204	$64,337	+19%
University of Colorado Boulder	$32,078	$54,616	+70%
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus	$39,104	$50,825	+30%

Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs	$9,712	$36,426	$41,964	$17,500	0.48
Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver	$10,780	$44,861	—	$35,136	0.78
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver	$10,017	$39,104	$50,825	$22,468	0.57
University of Northern ColoradoGreeley	$12,010	$36,996	—	—	—
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder	$16,430	$32,078	$54,616	$21,802	0.68
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

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 University of Colorado Colorado Springs, approximately 26% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.