Geography and Cartography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,355/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk
High (49% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI
17.2x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geography and Cartography graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $549K | $543K | $502K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.4x | 17.2x | 15.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.9x | 6.9x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 50% | 37% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 39 | 41 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,093
83% growth from Year 1
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
With 99% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt prioritizes broad access, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Geographers
$97,200/yr
Geography teachers, postsecondary
$86,730/yr
Compare & Explore
Geography and Cartography at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geography and Cartography. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geography and Cartography careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $501,884 in decade earnings vs $549,438 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Geography and Cartography from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →