Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Illinois State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$34,952

33rd percentile

25th percentile in Illinois

Median Debt

$15,500

32% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Illinois State University 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
Illinois State UniversityNormal	$16,021	$34,952	—	$15,500	0.44
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
Augustana CollegeRock Island	$49,834	$40,683	—	$27,000	0.66
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 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.