Geography and Cartography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,355/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #74 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 $549K $543K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.4x 17.2x 15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 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)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,093
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,355 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt earn below the $38,355 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Geography and Cartography programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Geography and Cartography's typical career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $27,355 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #74 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $50,093 show a 83% jump from the $27,355 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

With 99% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt prioritizes broad access, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Geography and Cartography. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Geography and Cartography careers?
With 49% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $501,884 in decade earnings vs $549,438 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Geography and Cartography from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →