Geography and Cartography at Illinois State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The small sample size matters here, but the available data suggests Illinois State's geography program produces earnings well below what other Illinois geography graduates achieve—$34,952 versus a state median of $41,448. That's roughly $6,500 less annually than the typical Illinois geography grad earns, placing this program in just the 25th percentile statewide. Even nearby Southern Illinois-Edwardsville graduates earn nearly $10,000 more their first year out.
The positive side: at $15,500, the debt burden sits significantly below both state and national medians for geography programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates should be able to manage repayment, even with lower starting salaries. This manageable debt partially offsets the earnings concern, though it doesn't eliminate the gap between what this program delivers and what other geography programs in Illinois provide.
For parents weighing this option, the question becomes whether the lighter debt load justifies accepting earnings in the bottom quarter of Illinois geography graduates. If your child is admitted to UIUC or SIU-Edwardsville, those programs show meaningfully stronger earning potential. However, remember these numbers reflect fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual outcomes vary considerably—and geography majors often pursue careers where passion and specific roles matter as much as initial salary figures.
Where Illinois State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Illinois State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Illinois State University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 33th percentile of all geography and cartography bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University | $34,952 | — | $15,500 | 0.44 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | $44,543 | $51,648 | $23,775 | 0.53 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $42,214 | — | $25,000 | 0.59 |
| Augustana College | $40,683 | — | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| National Median | $38,726 | — | $22,657 | 0.59 |
Other Geography and Cartography Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $12,922 | $44,543 | $23,775 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $42,214 | $25,000 |
| Augustana College Rock Island | $49,834 | $40,683 | $27,000 |
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 Illinois State University, approximately 30% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.