Geography and Cartography at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

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.