Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Augustana College

Median Earnings (1yr)

$40,683

63rd percentile

40th percentile in Illinois

Median Debt

$27,000

19% above national median

Analysis

Augustana's geography program sits in an interesting middle ground within Illinois—earning slightly less than the state median ($40,683 vs. $41,448), yet managing to keep debt exceptionally low. That 5th percentile debt ranking means 95% of geography programs nationwide saddle students with more borrowing, giving graduates here meaningful breathing room with a 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable than data from larger programs, but the broad pattern suggests reasonable outcomes. Graduates earn more than the national median for geography majors and trail Illinois leaders like SIU Edwardsville by only about $4,000 annually. At a school with a 68% admission rate, that's competitive positioning—especially when combined with the debt advantage.

For parents weighing this program, the calculus hinges on whether geography aligns with their child's career goals and whether Augustana's modest debt load compensates for earnings that fall in the middle of Illinois options. The low borrowing creates flexibility early in a career, though families should verify current cohort sizes and confirm this program still enrolls enough students to offer robust coursework and faculty attention.

Where Augustana College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Augustana College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Augustana CollegeRock Island	$49,834	$40,683	—	$27,000	0.66
Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleEdwardsville	$12,922	$44,543	$51,648	$23,775	0.53
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign	$16,004	$42,214	—	$25,000	0.59
Illinois State UniversityNormal	$16,021	$34,952	—	$15,500	0.44
National Median	—	$38,726	—	$22,657	0.59

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with geography and cartography graduates

Geographers

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

$97,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Research, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

$78,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps.

$51,940/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Augustana College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.