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Geography and Cartography at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Certificate

Grand Valley State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

Program Analysis

Grand Valley State University's Geography and Cartography program produces graduates earning $36,895/yr — within striking distance of the $40,902 national average for this trade.

With a 26.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $22,250 against $36,895/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #14 ranking among 15 Geography and Cartography programs places Grand Valley State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 6 apprenticeship pathways connected to Geography and Cartography reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

49 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
49
Score
51
High End
Earnings $36,895/yr (-10% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$386K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
26.4x
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 (In-State)
$14,628
Out-of-state: $20,820
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
7.2 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

Geography and Cartography opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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) DePaul University ($47,464) 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)

Other Majors at Grand Valley State University

History ($24,206)

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Compare Geography and Cartography degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grand Valley State University's Geography and Cartography program score?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geography and Cartography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Geography and Cartography careers?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Grand Valley State University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
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.
Will Geography and Cartography graduates from Grand Valley State University find jobs?
At 115,700 annual openings, Geography and Cartography has a very large employment base. Grand Valley State University graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →