Geography and Cartography at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,909/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs Top 50%

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 $535K $530K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.6x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.7x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,123
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,724
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,909 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from Texas State University earn slightly above the $38,355 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.6x 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $20,123 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #26 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs, Texas State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $44,909 to $54,724 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Texas State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas State 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

Other Majors at Texas State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at Texas State University?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Geography and Cartography field.
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 $492,133 in decade earnings vs $534,629 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →