Geography and Cartographyat University of Georgia
Graduates earn $26,801/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Geography and Cartography average. Base-case 10-year earnings $621K; scenarios range from $559K to $637K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Georgia
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Georgia's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Geography and Cartography
How University of Georgia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Georgia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Georgia, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Geography and Cartography offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Geography and Cartography trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Geography and Cartography at University of Georgia
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.