Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at Northern Michigan University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$38,726

Est. from national median (95 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,750

Est. from MI median (4 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests manageable financing for this geography degree, though the underlying figures deserve careful scrutiny. Similar programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $38,700, while the estimated debt load of $23,750 tracks closely with what other Michigan institutions report for comparable credentials. That means graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $240-270 on a standard repayment plan—a reasonable 7-8% of gross monthly income if earnings follow the typical pattern.

Geography and cartography graduates in Michigan show considerable variation in outcomes. Eastern Michigan's program reports first-year earnings exceeding $41,000, while Grand Valley's graduates start closer to $35,800. This $5,000+ spread among peer programs in the state highlights how program structure, networking opportunities, and technical training can significantly impact early career placement. Northern Michigan's location in Marquette may limit some immediate job prospects compared to schools near Detroit or Grand Rapids, though GIS skills and spatial analysis capabilities remain in steady demand across environmental consulting, urban planning, and government agencies.

For families considering this program, the estimated figures suggest reasonable financial risk compared to many bachelor's degrees, but the lack of actual outcome data from Northern Michigan makes this more of a calculated bet than a sure thing. If your student has strong interest in geospatial technology and environmental applications—areas where Upper Peninsula proximity to natural resources could actually be advantageous—the projected debt burden appears workable on typical geography salaries.

Where Northern Michigan University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (9 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette	$13,304	$38,726*	—	$23,750*	—
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti	$15,510	$41,103*	—	$17,425*	0.42
Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale	$14,628	$35,838*	$46,379	$20,500*	0.57
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 Northern Michigan University, approximately 27% 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 national median of 95 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.