Geography and Cartography at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont's Geography and Cartography program starts graduates at $33,424—about $5,300 below the national median for this field and placing it in just the 26th percentile nationally. That's a concerning gap for a school with competitive admissions (average SAT of 1357). The modest debt load of $18,284 provides some cushion, but you're still looking at earnings that lag behind most geography programs across the country.

The state context offers limited reassurance. While this program ranks at the 60th percentile among Vermont's three geography offerings, that's essentially saying it's the middle option in a very small pool. The first-year salary struggles to cover basic living expenses in Burlington, one of Vermont's pricier markets, and falls well short of what geography graduates typically earn elsewhere. Given the small sample size (under 30 graduates), these numbers could shift, but the current picture suggests graduates face real financial pressure early on.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether UVM's broader value—its location, network, or specific research opportunities in geography—justifies starting $5,000 behind peers from other programs. If your student is passionate about this field, they should investigate career outcomes more deeply and consider whether a different geography program might offer better earnings potential without significantly more debt.