Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Missouri-Kansas City

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,359

Est. from national median (86 programs)

Analysis

Geography and cartography programs in Missouri show striking variation, with peer institutions reporting first-year earnings from $38,726 to nearly $59,000. UMKC's estimated figures—derived from the national median of similar programs—land at the lower end of this spectrum at $38,726, while other Missouri geography programs typically produce earnings closer to $49,000. This $10,000 gap matters considerably when you're carrying debt, though the estimated $22,359 in borrowing here aligns with both state and national medians for the field.

The 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment under standard plans, but the wide range in Missouri outcomes raises questions about what drives the difference. Geographic information systems skills, internship opportunities, and industry connections can significantly impact starting salaries in this field. Without actual graduate outcomes from UMKC's specific program, it's difficult to know whether their curriculum positions students toward the higher-earning technical roles (GIS analysis, urban planning) or broader applications that tend to pay less initially.

Given the uncertainty, your child should investigate UMKC's program specifics directly: What percentage of coursework focuses on technical GIS tools versus traditional geography? Do students complete internships with municipal planning departments or private mapping firms? The answers to these questions could reveal whether this program tracks closer to Park's stronger outcomes or remains at the national median—a difference of $20,000 annually that compounds significantly over a career.

Where University of Missouri-Kansas City Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City	$11,988	$38,726*	—	$22,359*	—
Park UniversityParkville	$16,400	$58,786*	—	—*	—
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$38,726*	—	$21,000*	0.54
National Median	—	$38,726*	—	$22,657*	0.59

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Missouri-Kansas City, approximately 25% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 95 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.