Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Saint Cloud State University$48,746
Minnesota State University-Mankato$40,553$47,976
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$38,019$51,259$20,5000.54
Macalester College$30,053$41,857$19,0490.63
National Median$38,726$22,6570.59

Other Geography and Cartography Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato
$9,490$40,553
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis
$16,488$38,019$20,500
Macalester College
Saint Paul
$64,908$30,053$19,049

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 Saint Cloud State University, approximately 20% 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.