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Geography and Cartography at University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,293/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #90 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	$410K	$419K	$410K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.1x	13.4x	13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	5.0x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	50%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	34	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,352

Out-of-state: $83,192 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,252

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,182

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $30,293/yr fall 21% below the $38,355 national median for Geography and Cartography. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,182 against $30,293/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #90 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places University of Hawaii at Hilo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Hawaii at Hilo

University of Hawaii at Hilo has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,260 students in Hilo, HI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Hilo →

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 Hawaii at Hilo

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

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at University of Hawaii at Hilo?

At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geography and Cartography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Geography and Cartography at University of Hawaii at Hilo?

The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is University of Hawaii at Hilo a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Hawaii at Hilo's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →