Geography Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of Earth's physical features, climates, and human populations.
Starting Salary
$45K
median
Mid-Career
$68K
salary
ROI Payback
5.5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
4%
rate
Geography Overview
Study of Earth's physical features, climates, and human populations.
Category
Social Sciences
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
62%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
25%
Lifetime Premium
$350K
Female Graduates
42%
Geography Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$15,750
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$15,750
after scholarships
ROI Payback
2 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$334,250
Lifetime earnings premium ($350,000) minus net degree cost ($15,750)
Geography Salary Progression
Common Geography Careers
Geographer
GIS Analyst
Urban Planner
Cartographer
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Geography
#1
UC Santa Barbara
#2
Penn State
#3
University of Wisconsin
#4
Clark University
#5
University of Oregon
Related Majors
Geography Degree FAQ
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