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Geography and Cartography at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,952/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (115,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 of 95 Geography and Cartography programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Geography and Cartography graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $441K $446K $430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.9x 7.0x 6.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 50% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,952/yr, roughly in line with the $38,355 national median for Geography and Cartography. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 7.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Geography and Cartography career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $34,952 far exceeding the $16,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #86 ranking among 95 Geography and Cartography programs places Illinois State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Illinois State University

Illinois State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 18,414 in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois State University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Geographers $97,200/yr
Geography teachers, postsecondary $86,730/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 95 schools offering Geography and Cartography →

Geography and Cartography at Other Schools

Park University ($58,786) Dartmouth College ($56,756) Texas A & M University-College Station ($54,204) University of Nevada-Reno ($53,079) George Washington University ($52,883) George Mason University ($49,568) Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($49,267) Arizona State University Digital Immersion ($49,267)

Other Majors at Illinois State University

Computer Science ($81,363) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,709) Construction Management ($70,672) Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications ($66,801) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($65,629) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($65,127) Accounting and Related Services ($62,940) Public Health ($59,207)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Geography and Cartography trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Geography and Cartography at Illinois State University?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Geography and Cartography programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Geography and Cartography at Illinois State University?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →