Geography and Cartography (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Median Earnings (1yr)

$42,997

77th percentile

60th percentile in Wisconsin

Median Debt

$20,250

11% below national median

Analysis

UW-Madison's Geography and Cartography program outperforms most alternatives in Wisconsin and nationally, with first-year earnings of $42,997 placing graduates in the 77th percentile nationwide and above every other geography program in the state except UW-Eau Claire. The manageable debt load of $20,250—notably lower than both the state and national medians—translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, meaning graduates can realistically pay off loans in under two years of focused payments. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates a favorable financial picture for a liberal arts field.

The 16% earnings growth over four years suggests decent career progression, though the moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary more than with larger programs. Geography graduates from Madison's selective program (43% admission rate, 1402 SAT) appear to leverage the university's research reputation effectively. At $49,762 four years out, these graduates are earning substantially more than typical Wisconsin geography majors while carrying less debt.

For students genuinely interested in geography or GIS work, this program delivers stronger financial outcomes than most peers. The field isn't high-paying compared to STEM disciplines, but Madison's version positions graduates in the upper tier of geography careers with minimal financial burden.

Where University of Wisconsin-Madison Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of Wisconsin-Madison	$42,997	$49,762	+16%
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	$37,521	$56,297	+50%
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	$40,048	$45,938	+15%
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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison	$11,205	$42,997	$49,762	$20,250	0.47
University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire	$9,277	$40,048	$45,938	$21,212	0.53
University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse	$9,651	$37,537	$45,633	$23,850	0.64
University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater	$8,250	$37,521	$56,297	$23,983	0.64
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee	$10,020	$32,052	$39,104	$27,000	0.84
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 University of Wisconsin-Madison, approximately 15% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.