Geography and Cartography at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,380/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 20.8x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

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.

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 $693K $671K $596K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.5x 20.8x 18.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.7x 8.4x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $79,776 (8.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,207
79% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Chico

A 94% acceptance rate means California State University-Chico is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 13,057 in Chico, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Chico →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Geographers $97,200/yr
Geography teachers, postsecondary $86,730/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Geography and Cartography at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Chico

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →