Geography and Cartography at University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,326
72% growth from Year 1
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
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 →