Geography and Cartography at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,683/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #81 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 $478K $479K $455K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,683/yr, edging above the $38,355 national average for Geography and Cartography — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$40,683 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #81 out of 95 programs, Augustana College's financial outcomes for Geography and Cartography trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Augustana College

With a 68% acceptance rate, Augustana College is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Augustana College's Geography and Cartography program score?
This program scores 37/100 — 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.
How affordable is Geography and Cartography at Augustana College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $199,336, but the average net cost is $49,748 — a 75% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →