Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,330 track close to the $38,355 national median for Geography and Cartography programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $21,771 against $35,330/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #77 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places Portland State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
A 30% earnings increase from $35,330 to $45,964 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.