Geography and Cartography at University of Wisconsin-Madison

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.