Compare 7 Geography. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $43,658.
Geography programs produce graduates earning between $33,459 and $56,297—a $23K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 7 ranked programs in Wisconsin, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Geography program leads with graduates earning $56,297, well above the state average of $43,658. The data reinforces that program-level factors drive success—Whitewater outperforms Madison despite Madison's higher overall prestige, proving specialized program strength matters more than university rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Whitewater graduates borrow $23,188 and face just a 9.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Madison students face higher family debt burdens at 26.8%, showing that the earnings leader also delivers the most manageable student debt.
Highest program earnings: $56,297
Strong outcomes ($56,297) with 83% acceptance
9.4% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
18.1% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $56,297 | 19 | $23,188 | Good | $18,635 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $49,762 | 41 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | High | |
| #3 | $45,938 | 32 | $20,909 | Manageable | $12,452 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $45,633 | 26 | $22,500 | Manageable | $16,958 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $39,104 | 16 | $23,000 | Challenging | $16,149 | High | |
| #6 | $35,416 | 10 | $20,500 | Challenging | $14,500 | High | |
| #7 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $33,459 | 8 | $26,000 | High | $42,940 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
