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Geography and Cartography at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,931/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (49% exposed)

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

ROI 15.2x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #70 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	$574K	$565K	$518K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.5x	15.2x	14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.1x	4.7x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	50%	37%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,970

8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,097

81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,931 per year, Geography and Cartography graduates from Western Washington University earn below the $38,355 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 15.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $19,970 against $29,931/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #70 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places Western Washington University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,931-to-$54,097 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Western Washington University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 13,574 in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 Western Washington 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 does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Western Washington University?

At 41/100, 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 Western Washington 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 Western Washington University a good choice for Geography and Cartography despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington 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 →