Geography and Cartography at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,078/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 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 $576K $566K $519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
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)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,326
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,078 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from University of Colorado Boulder earn below the $38,355 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $32,078 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #80 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs, University of Colorado Boulder falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $55,326 show a 72% jump from the $32,078 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 University of Colorado Boulder

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at University of Colorado Boulder?
A score of 37/100 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 $519,053 in decade earnings vs $575,511 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Geography and Cartography from University of Colorado Boulder?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →