Geography and Cartography at Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,255/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #82 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 $606K $593K $539K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 13.9x 12.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.0x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,552
Out-of-state: $85,328 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,824
-55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,341
115% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,255/yr fall 34% below the $38,355 national median for Geography and Cartography. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $25,000 against $25,255/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #82 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places Salisbury University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,255-to-$54,341 earnings arc over five years reflects a 115% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Salisbury University

Salisbury University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,056 students in Salisbury, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at Salisbury University →

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

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Salisbury University?
At 37/100, 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 Salisbury University?
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.
Is Salisbury University a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Salisbury University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →