Geography and Cartographyat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $40,380/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Geography and Cartography average. Base-case 10-year earnings $671K; scenarios range from $596K to $693K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
This CSU Chico program consistently produces graduates well-prepared for diverse roles, leveraging a practical, skills-focused curriculum. You'll gain valuable proficiencies in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, highly sought after in California's robust environmental, planning, and agricultural sectors. Many graduates find themselves in local government planning departments, environmental consulting firms, or even tech companies focused on location intelligence, where their ability to interpret and apply spatial data is critical. The strong performance reflects the program's emphasis on hands-on technical skills, alongside critical thinking, which helps graduates quickly contribute to their organizations.
While some routine cartographic tasks face automation, your ability to solve complex problems using spatial data, manage projects, and communicate insights will be invaluable. Focus on developing advanced analytical capabilities and leadership potential in your coursework and internships, as these are the skills that propel graduates into higher-earning management positions and differentiate you in a changing job market.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Chico State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Geography and Cartography
How Chico State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Chico State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Chico State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Geography and Cartography offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Geography and Cartography trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Geography and Cartography at Chico State
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at California State University-Chico?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Geography and Cartography field.
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 $596,441 in decade earnings vs $693,031 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Chico's Geography and Cartography program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 95 programs nationally, California State University-Chico lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.