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Geography and Cartography at Portland Community College

Portland, OR · Public · Certificate

with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.

Program Analysis

Portland Community College's Geography and Cartography program produces graduates earning $38,714/yr — within striking distance of the $40,902 national average for this trade.

The 80.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 49% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Geography and Cartography graduates.

Ranked #3 out of 15 programs, Portland Community College's Geography and Cartography program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 6 registered apprenticeships mapped to Geography and Cartography, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
62
Score
65
High End
Earnings $38,714/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (51% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$405K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
80.4x
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)
$5,040
Out-of-state: $10,080

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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Geography and Cartography careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

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 Portland Community College

Industrial Production Technology ($78,450) Nursing ($78,033) Allied Health Professions ($72,204) Biomedical Engineering ($63,642) Construction Management Technology ($63,103) Dental Assisting ($58,410) Drafting & Design Technology ($54,198) Vehicle Repair Technology ($48,144)

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

What does a 62/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Portland Community College?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Geography and Cartography field.
Will AI affect Geography and Cartography careers?
AI won't eliminate Geography and Cartography careers, but it may reshape them. At Portland Community College, a score of 62/100 already accounts for the 49% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What makes Portland Community College's Geography and Cartography program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 15 programs nationally, Portland Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Geography and Cartography?
If Portland Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 6 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Geography and Cartography. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Geography and Cartography from Portland Community College?
Job availability for Geography and Cartography is strong — 115,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Portland Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in OR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →