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Geography and Cartography at California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,727/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #71 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	$433K	$439K	$425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.9x	16.1x	15.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.8x	5.9x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	50%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,252

Out-of-state: $74,792 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$16,452

40% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

California State University-Los Angeles's Geography and Cartography program produces graduates earning $33,727/yr — within striking distance of the $38,355 national average for this field.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #71 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places California State University-Los Angeles in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California State University-Los Angeles

A 92% acceptance rate means California State University-Los Angeles is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 21,478 students in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Los Angeles →

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 University-Los Angeles

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at California State University-Los Angeles?

At 40/100, 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 California State University-Los Angeles?

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.

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