Best Geography and Cartography Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 6 colleges offering Geography and Cartography programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 82 recent graduates. Graduates earn $34,840 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $35,056.

School choice matters significantly: Northern Illinois University graduates earn $44,189 while Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates earn $28,960 — a $15,229 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

6
Schools in IL
$34,840
IL Avg. Earnings
$35,056
National Avg.
136
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Geography and Cartography in Illinois

Public Schools (5)
$35,870
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$29,685
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Geography and Cartography graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Geography and Cartography Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$44,189
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,698
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 70.5%
#2
S

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$41,789
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,843
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 97.2%
#3
E

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.8%
#4
U

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,269
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 43.7%
#5
A

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.7%
#6
S

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$28,960
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,117
Graduates: 18
Acceptance: 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Geography and Cartography in Illinois?
Northern Illinois University ranks #1 for Geography and Cartography in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $44,189 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Geography and Cartography programs in the state.
How much do Geography and Cartography graduates earn in Illinois?
Geography and Cartography graduates in Illinois earn an average of $34,840 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $35,056 for this major.
What is the hardest Geography and Cartography school to get into in Illinois?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Geography and Cartography program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Geography and Cartography programs in the state is 72.9%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Geography and Cartography in Illinois?
In Illinois, private Geography and Cartography programs produce average earnings of $29,685 vs $35,870 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

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Geography and Cartography in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.