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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$41,449

Est. from IL median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,775

Est. from IL median (3 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $24,000 paired with first-year earnings of roughly $41,000 creates a manageable financial start for geography graduates—comparable programs across Illinois suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 0.5, meaning the typical borrower could reasonably expect to service their loans within standard repayment timeframes. With more than half of Northeastern Illinois students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population for whom manageable debt matters significantly, and the estimated figures align closely with what geography programs statewide actually report.

The earnings estimate places this program squarely in the middle of Illinois geography offerings, tracking closely with the state median and sitting above the national benchmark of $38,700. Southern Illinois Edwardsville and U of I Urbana-Champaign graduates report slightly higher first-year earnings, but Northeastern Illinois appears competitive within a field that doesn't command six-figure starting salaries regardless of where you study. Geography and cartography skills translate into urban planning, GIS analysis, and environmental consulting roles—steady career paths rather than explosive earners.

For families weighing this option: the estimated numbers suggest neither a standout deal nor a cautionary tale. The program likely delivers fair value at a price point accessible to working-class Chicago families, though remember these figures are drawn from peer institutions rather than Northeastern Illinois's actual graduate outcomes. If your student has genuine interest in spatial analysis or environmental work, this represents a solid regional choice without the debt burden that would force their hand into higher-paying fields they don't want.

Where Northeastern Illinois University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all geography and cartography bachelors's 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
Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago	$12,383	$41,449*	—	$23,775*	—
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
Illinois State UniversityNormal	$16,021	$34,952*	—	$15,500*	0.44
National Median	—	$38,726*	—	$22,657*	0.59

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Northeastern Illinois University, approximately 54% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.