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

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,537

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$23,850

Est. from WI median (5 programs)

Analysis

Similar geography programs across Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $37,500, placing UW-Platteville squarely in the middle of the state's range. With an estimated debt burden of $23,850, graduates from peer programs typically face manageable repayment—the 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio means about eight months of gross pay to cover student loans, which is reasonable for a bachelor's degree. However, it's worth noting that UW-Madison's geography graduates earn roughly $5,500 more annually, a meaningful difference that compounds over a career.

The bigger picture here is that geography and cartography occupies a tricky middle ground in employment markets. These programs blend physical and social sciences with technical mapping skills, but graduates often compete for positions against both traditional STEM majors and liberal arts students willing to accept lower pay. The national median of $38,726 suggests limited earning power across all programs, and Wisconsin's outcomes mirror this national trend almost exactly. For families banking on a bachelor's degree to deliver strong financial returns, this field's modest earnings—even at top-performing Wisconsin schools—should factor into the decision. If your student is passionate about spatial analysis and GIS technology, the debt load is reasonable, but this isn't a path to quick financial independence.

Where University of Wisconsin-Platteville 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-PlattevillePlatteville	$8,315	$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-Platteville, approximately 21% 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.