Geography and Cartography at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $52,883/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #61 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs

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 $557K $550K $507K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$149,816
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $52,883 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from George Washington University significantly outpace the $38,355 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The financial case is thin at 2.1x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Geography and Cartography's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #61 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs, George Washington University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About George Washington University

George Washington University accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George Washington University →

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 George Washington University

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 George Washington University?
A score of 44/100 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 $506,940 in decade earnings vs $557,118 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →