Geography and Cartography at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

The small sample size matters here—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers may not be representative—but the data we have shows UNCG's geography program significantly underperforming its North Carolina peers. While state schools like UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC-Charlotte place geography grads around $42,000 in their first year, UNCG graduates start at just $25,975, landing in the 10th percentile statewide. That's roughly $16,000 less than what the same degree earns at UNC-Charlotte, despite similar in-state tuition costs.

The 67% earnings jump by year four is encouraging and brings graduates to $43,478, which actually edges past the state median. This suggests the degree may have delayed payoff in the job market. The debt load of $22,851 is perfectly in line with state and national averages, making the debt-to-earnings ratio tolerable once those later earnings materialize. However, that first-year figure remains concerning—geography careers that start this low may reflect the local Greensboro job market rather than the degree itself.

Given the small sample and the dramatic gap between this program and other NC options, parents should dig deeper into where these graduates actually work and whether career services provide strong geographic information systems (GIS) training—a skill set that typically commands higher starting pay. If your child can access UNC-Chapel Hill or Charlotte, the data suggests better initial outcomes for the same degree.