Geography and Cartography at Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,931/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (49% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI
15.2x earnings multiple (5.1x 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 | $574K | $565K | $518K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.5x | 15.2x | 14.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.2x | 5.1x | 4.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 50% | 37% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,970
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,097
81% growth from Year 1
About Western Washington University
With 91% of applicants admitted, Western Washington University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington University →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 Western Washington University
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 does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Western Washington University?
At 41/100, 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 Western Washington University?
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 Western Washington University a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington University'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 →