Geography and Cartography at University of Connecticut-Avery Point

A bachelor's degree in geography and cartography from UConn-Avery Point faces a fundamental challenge: based on comparable programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $38,700 mean graduates would carry debt equal to about 58% of their annual income. That's a manageable ratio on paper, but the underlying numbers tell a harder story. Earning less than $40,000 in Connecticut—where the cost of living runs well above the national average—leaves little room for aggressive debt repayment while covering rent, transportation, and other essentials.

The national data reveals why this field struggles financially. With 303 programs across the country, geography and cartography consistently produces modest earnings. Even programs at the 75th percentile nationally only reach about $42,500 in first-year income. This isn't about UConn-Avery Point underperforming; it's about the realities of a degree where entry-level positions in municipal planning, GIS analysis, or environmental consulting simply don't command high starting salaries. The estimated $22,400 in debt aligns with what similar programs typically see, but when paired with these earnings, it creates a longer payoff timeline than many families anticipate.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether your child has a specific career path requiring this credential—like working in urban planning or environmental science—where the degree serves as a professional gateway. Without that clarity, spending four years and taking on debt for sub-$40,000 starting pay in an expensive state demands serious reconsideration of alternatives.