Geography and Cartography at Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,255/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #82 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs

Program Analysis

The earnings trajectory for Salisbury's Geography and Cartography program often reflects the regional job market. Many graduates find initial roles within Maryland's Eastern Shore and surrounding areas, frequently in local government, regional planning, or environmental consulting. These positions, while stable and impactful, may not reach the same salary benchmarks as roles in major metropolitan tech hubs or federal agencies, which can significantly influence early career earnings. To maximize your potential, understand that the field is evolving rapidly. Focus on developing highly specialized skills in data analysis, geospatial programming, or advanced remote sensing, and actively seek out internships with firms or government bodies in larger markets like Baltimore, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia. These experiences can open doors to higher-paying opportunities and mitigate the impact of AI automation by positioning you for more complex, analytical roles.

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 $606K $593K $539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 13.9x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.0x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,552
Out-of-state: $85,328 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,824
-55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,341
115% growth from Year 1

About Salisbury University

Salisbury University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,056 students in Salisbury, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at Salisbury 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

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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 does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Salisbury University?
At 37/100, 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 Salisbury University?
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 Salisbury University a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Salisbury University'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 →