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Geography and Cartography at DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Certificate

With 74% of applicants admitted, DePaul University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 14,283 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $47,464/yr, edging above the $40,902 national average for Geography and Cartography — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 11.2x 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 career paths, with 49% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

At $23,412 in median debt against $47,464 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #13 of 15 Geography and Cartography programs, DePaul University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Geography and Cartography offers 6 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
50
Score
52
High End
Earnings $47,464/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$497K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
11.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
5 of 5
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$44,460
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,412
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Geography and Cartography graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
Geographers $97,200 -3.1% 50%
Geography teachers, postsecondary $86,730 +3.3% 52%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
Geographers
$97,200
-3.1% growth 50% AI-proof
Geography teachers, postsecondary
$86,730
+3.3% growth 52% AI-proof

View all 5 career paths with full salary data →

Geography and Cartography Career Guide

Explore what Geography and Cartography graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 15 programs nationwide.

Read the full Geography and Cartography career guide →

Compare & Explore

Geography and Cartography Overview

View all 15 schools offering Geography and Cartography →

Geography and Cartography at Other Schools

Minnesota State University-Mankato ($50,411) Texas State University ($44,270) Florida Atlantic University ($42,833) University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($42,580) Mitchell Technical College ($41,879) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($41,627) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($41,627) University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown ($40,962)

Other Majors at DePaul University

International Studies ($41,636)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Geography and Cartography degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Geography and Cartography at DePaul University?
A score of 50/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but DePaul University trails the majority of Geography and Cartography programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geography and Cartography at DePaul University?
Our scenarios model 49% of Geography and Cartography tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. DePaul University's 50/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Geography and Cartography graduates?
There are 6 registered apprenticeships connected to Geography and Cartography occupations, such as Chief Of Party (Prof & Kin) and Geodetic Computator. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Geography and Cartography graduates?
The very large job market (115,700 annual openings) works in favor of Geography and Cartography graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →