Geography and Cartography at University of Connecticut

A bachelor's in geography and cartography from UConn faces a challenging financial outlook based on what we see from peer programs nationally. Similar programs typically produce first-year earnings around $38,700—modest for any bachelor's degree, but particularly tight when paired with the estimated $22,400 in debt that comparable graduates carry. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates are looking at nearly eight months of their first year's salary just to cover what they borrowed, leaving little financial breathing room as they establish themselves.

The broader issue is trajectory. Geography and cartography programs don't show the rapid salary growth that justifies moderate early earnings in fields like teaching or social work. The national 75th percentile sits at just $42,600, suggesting even successful graduates in this field don't see dramatic income increases early on. UConn's strong academic profile (median SAT of 1338) doesn't appear to translate into standout financial outcomes for this particular major when compared to national patterns.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the geographic information systems skills and spatial analysis training justify the investment when comparable programs produce these modest returns. If your student is genuinely passionate about cartography or GIS work, they should enter with minimal debt and a clear plan for building technical skills that employers value—otherwise, the economics simply don't favor borrowing the typical amount for this degree.