Geography and Cartography at Illinois State University
Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Geography and Cartography at Other Schools
Other Majors at Illinois State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 →