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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$37,521

45th percentile

40th percentile in Wisconsin

Median Debt

$23,983

6% above national median

Analysis

This program offers middle-of-the-road outcomes for geography majors, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The first-year salary of $37,521 sits right at Wisconsin's median for geography programs but lags about $5,000 behind UW-Madison's outcomes. With debt at $23,983, the 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates would need to allocate roughly 8 months of their first year's salary to cover their full debt load.

The story improves substantially over time. Earnings jump 50% by year four to reach $56,297, which represents strong career progression for geography graduates. This growth trajectory suggests the program prepares students well for advancement, even if starting salaries are modest. The median debt sits near both state and national averages, avoiding the trap of above-average costs for below-average outcomes.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether geography aligns with clear career goals that justify the investment. The earnings growth is encouraging, but ranking in the 40th percentile among Wisconsin geography programs means students with stronger academic profiles might find better value at UW-Madison or UW-Eau Claire. If Whitewater's location or fit appeals and your student has a specific path in mind (GIS analysis, urban planning, environmental consulting), the reasonable debt load provides flexibility. Just remember these figures represent a small cohort and may not be fully representative.

Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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-Whitewater	$37,521	$56,297	+50%
University of Wisconsin-Madison	$42,997	$49,762	+16%
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-WhitewaterWhitewater	$8,250	$37,521	$56,297	$23,983	0.64
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-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-Whitewater, approximately 25% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.