Geography and Cartography at University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,801/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #76 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs

Program Analysis

The earnings trajectory for this UGA program reflects several factors, particularly the regional labor market and the broad nature of a "Geography and Cartography" degree. Many graduates find rewarding positions in local and state government, environmental planning, or education within Georgia, where public sector salaries often differ from private tech hubs. While foundational geographic knowledge is valuable, the highest-paying roles in geospatial often demand deep specialization in areas like advanced GIS development, remote sensing, or data science applications that may not be the primary focus here. Given the evolving landscape and AI's increasing capabilities, cultivating highly technical, in-demand skills is crucial. To best position yourself, actively pursue electives in programming for geospatial analysis (like Python or R), seek out internships with technology-forward companies, and consider a minor in a complementary field such as Computer Science or Data Science to enhance your marketability.

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 $637K $621K $559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 13.9x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.1x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,720
Out-of-state: $120,880 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,264
-24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,824
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,281
117% growth from Year 1

About University of Georgia

Admission to University of Georgia is competitive, with 37% of applicants accepted, with 31,310 students enrolled in Athens, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Georgia →

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 Georgia

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

How does University of Georgia'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 University of Georgia?
Lower starting pay at University of Georgia 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 →