Location: Eau Claire, WI•In-State Tuition: $9,277•Out-of-State Tuition: $18,516•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1190
Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,048
59th percentile
60th percentile in Wisconsin
Median Debt
$21,212
6% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.53 ManageableSample: 44 graduates

Analysis

UW-Eau Claire's geography program earns its middle-of-the-pack rankings through solid fundamentals rather than standout performance. Graduates start at $40,048—about $2,500 above the state median for this field—and reach nearly $46,000 by year four. Among Wisconsin's eleven geography programs, this places Eau Claire slightly above the median, though notably behind UW-Madison's $43,000 starting point. The debt load of $21,212 comes in lower than both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53.

The challenge here is less about the numbers and more about the field itself. Geography and cartography programs nationally produce modest earnings, and even top performers struggle to break $50,000 in early-career pay. Eau Claire doesn't change that equation, but it does offer a reasonable path within these constraints—lower debt than most alternatives and earnings that track respectably against peers. The 15% earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing after that initial year.

For families comfortable with the moderate earning potential typical of geography careers, this program delivers what it should: solid training at a reasonable price. Just understand you're choosing a field, not just a school, and the field itself caps upside regardless of where you study it.

Where University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Stands

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

University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireOther geography and cartography programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire earns $40k — 59th percentile among geography and cartography bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire$40,048$45,938+15%
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater$37,521$56,297+50%
University of Wisconsin-Madison$42,997$49,762+16%
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse$37,537$45,633+22%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$32,052$39,104+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Geography and Cartography bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire$9,277$40,048$45,938$21,2120.53
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$42,997$49,762$20,2500.47
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse$9,651$37,537$45,633$23,8500.64
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater$8,250$37,521$56,297$23,9830.64
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee$10,020$32,052$39,104$27,0000.84
National Median—$38,726—$22,6570.59

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 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, approximately 19% 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 44 graduates with reported earnings and 44 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.