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Geography and Cartography at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,701/yr (-30% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)

ROI 5.8x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #93 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	$387K	$399K	$395K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	5.6x	5.8x	5.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.7x	2.8x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	50%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	27	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$68,956

Out-of-state: $144,004 (2.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,076

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,701 place Rutgers University-New Brunswick below the $38,355 national median for Geography and Cartography — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 5.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #93 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places Rutgers University-New Brunswick in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Rutgers University-New Brunswick

A 65% admission rate makes Rutgers University-New Brunswick accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 36,357 in New Brunswick, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-New Brunswick →

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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

At 27/100, 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Rutgers University-New Brunswick'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 →