Geography and Cartography at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,227/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 19.8x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs Top 1%

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 $615K $602K $545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.2x 19.8x 17.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 7.7x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,408
Out-of-state: $77,928 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,048
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,974
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,360
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,227 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from California State University-Sacramento significantly outpace the $38,355 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 19.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,974 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Among 95 Geography and Cartography programs nationally, California State University-Sacramento ranks #1 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 38% earnings increase from $48,227 to $66,360 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Sacramento

With 94% of applicants admitted, California State University-Sacramento prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 27,867 students in Sacramento, CA. 49% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

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-Sacramento

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 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at California State University-Sacramento?
At 65/100, California State University-Sacramento's Geography and Cartography program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geography and Cartography at California State University-Sacramento?
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-Sacramento one of the best schools for Geography and Cartography?
Among 95 Geography and Cartography programs, California State University-Sacramento's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →