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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,537

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,850

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Analysis

Geography programs in Wisconsin cluster tightly around $37,500 in first-year earnings, and this UW-Parkside program tracks right at that median based on comparable programs statewide. With estimated debt of $23,850, graduates would face monthly loan payments around $265—manageable at roughly 8.5% of gross income, but leaving little room for error in a field where entry-level salaries start modest.

The real question is trajectory. Geography and cartography careers can lead to GIS analysis, urban planning, or environmental consulting roles that command significantly higher salaries within a few years. But that first year earning under $38,000 in Wisconsin's housing market means graduates may need to live frugally or secure roommates while establishing themselves professionally. UW-Madison's geography graduates earn $5,500 more right out of the gate, though Parkside's more accessible admission profile serves a different population—over a third receive Pell grants.

For families banking on immediate financial independence after graduation, these estimated figures suggest caution. The debt load is reasonable, but the starting salary requires patience and career development. If your child is genuinely passionate about spatial analysis and mapping technology—fields with growing demand—this could work. If they're lukewarm on the major or exploring it as a backup, programs with stronger early earnings or lower debt loads deserve consideration first.

Where University of Wisconsin-Parkside Stands

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

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-ParksideKenosha	$7,855	$37,537*	—	$23,850*	—
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

* 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 University of Wisconsin-Parkside, approximately 34% 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 median of 5 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.