Geography and Cartography at California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,002/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk
High (49% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI
28.4x earnings multiple (10.6x 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 | $847K | $807K | $698K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 29.8x | 28.4x | 24.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 11.2x | 10.6x | 9.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 50% | 37% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 52 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,380
Out-of-state: $75,900 (10.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,692
180% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Northridge
A 93% acceptance rate means California State University-Northridge is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 32,357 students in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →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 University-Northridge
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 does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at California State University-Northridge?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geography and Cartography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geography and Cartography at California State University-Northridge?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Northridge a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Northridge's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →