Geography and Cartography at Macalester College

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,053/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #95 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 $604K $591K $538K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$119,920
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,049
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,230
90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,053 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from Macalester College earn below the $38,355 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,049 debt-to-$30,053 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

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

Earnings growth from $30,053 to $57,230 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Macalester College

A 28% acceptance rate puts Macalester College in competitive admissions territory, with a smaller student body of 2,131 in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $119,920 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Macalester 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

Other Majors at Macalester College

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

How does Macalester College's Geography and Cartography program score?
This program scores 23/100 — 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.
Why are Geography and Cartography earnings lower at Macalester College?
Lower starting pay at Macalester College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Geography and Cartography at Macalester College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,632, but the average net cost is $119,920 — a 54% 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 →