Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Southern Mississippi

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$22,359

Est. from national median (86 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of $22,359 against first-year earnings around $38,700 suggests a manageable financial start for geography graduates, though both figures come from national patterns rather than University of Southern Mississippi's specific outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 falls comfortably below the 1.0 threshold that signals trouble, meaning graduates from comparable programs typically earn nearly twice their debt in their first year—a foundation that makes repayment feasible even on entry-level salaries.

The context matters here: USM serves a predominantly in-state population with 47% receiving Pell grants, suggesting many students are seeking affordable paths to middle-class employment. Geography and cartography programs nationally produce fairly consistent outcomes, with the median sitting at $38,700 and even top-quartile programs only reaching about $42,500. This isn't a field where elite credentials dramatically boost earnings, which makes the relatively modest debt load at a 99%-admission-rate public university potentially sensible.

The practical reality is that you're looking at estimated figures based on peer programs nationwide, not verified outcomes from USM graduates specifically. That uncertainty cuts both ways: actual results could be better or worse. But for a family prioritizing accessibility and manageable debt over prestige, a program producing graduates with debt equal to roughly seven months of salary—based on what similar programs achieve—represents a reasonable bet on geographic skills that translate across government, environmental, and private-sector roles.

Where University of Southern Mississippi Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg	$9,618	$38,726*	—	$22,359*	—
Park UniversityParkville	$16,400	$58,786*	—	—*	—
Dartmouth CollegeHanover	$65,739	$56,756*	—	—*	—
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$54,204*	$64,337	$16,479*	0.30
University of Nevada-RenoReno	$8,994	$53,079*	—	—*	—
George Washington UniversityWashington	$64,990	$52,883*	—	$25,000*	0.47
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 Southern Mississippi, approximately 47% 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.