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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$41,052

65th percentile

Median Debt

$12,373

45% below national median

Analysis

The University of Utah's geography program stands out for one compelling reason: graduates leave with remarkably little debt. At $12,373, that's about half the national median for this degree and right in line with other Utah programs—yet earnings at $41,052 actually edge above both state and national averages. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.30, graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross earnings.

The downside? You're looking at a small cohort here—fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset—so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Still, earning slightly more than BYU geography grads while keeping debt this low suggests the program delivers consistent value. First-year earnings in the low $40s won't wow anyone, but geography isn't typically a high-earning field right out of the gate, and this program performs in the 65th percentile nationally.

For Utah families keeping tuition costs reasonable, this represents a solid pathway into GIS, urban planning, or environmental work without the debt burden that often comes with bachelor's degrees. Just recognize that career growth will likely depend on what specialization and additional credentials your student pursues after graduation.

Where University of Utah Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Utah graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Utah

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (4 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of UtahSalt Lake City	$9,315	$41,052	—	$12,373	0.30
Brigham Young UniversityProvo	$6,496	$40,051	$49,878	$10,360	0.26
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

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 Utah, approximately 20% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.