Geography and Cartography at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,875/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #75 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs

Program Analysis

The earnings profile for this program reflects the complex interplay of the Bay Area's unique labor market and the diverse applications of geography. While some graduates find high-paying roles in specialized tech firms leveraging geospatial data, many pursue careers in government, non-profits, or urban planning. These sectors, while offering crucial contributions, typically provide more modest compensation relative to the region's exceptionally high cost of living. SF State’s program often provides a comprehensive geographical foundation. To maximize your earning potential and mitigate AI risk, you'll need to aggressively cultivate highly technical skills in advanced GIS, remote sensing, and programming. Focus on building a portfolio that showcases your proficiency with cutting-edge tools and actively seek internships with Bay Area tech companies or specialized environmental consultancies.

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 $569K $560K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.9x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,359
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,547
103% growth from Year 1

About San Francisco State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, San Francisco State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,033 students in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State 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 San Francisco State University

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

How does San Francisco State University's Geography and Cartography program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Geography and Cartography. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Geography and Cartography to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Geography and Cartography careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 49% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Geography and Cartography earnings lower at San Francisco State University?
Lower starting pay at San Francisco State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →