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Cheapest Geography and Cartography Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Chicago State University offers the most affordable Geography and Cartography program in Illinois at just $10,133 net cost, while Northwestern University charges $27,143 for the same field. This $17,000 gap reflects the state's mix of accessible public options and elite private institutions. Geography graduates from Illinois programs earn between $28,960 and $44,189, with Northern Illinois University producing the highest-earning alumni at $44,189 annually. The field connects directly to Illinois' economy, where mapping specialists support the state's transportation networks, urban planning initiatives in Chicago, and agricultural land management across rural counties. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven of the ten cheapest programs coming from state schools.
16
Programs
$10,133 – $29,141
Net Price Range
$34,840
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Geography and Cartography Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
2 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
3 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
4 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
5 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
6 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
8 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
9 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
10 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
11 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
12 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
13 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
14 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
15 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
16 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Northern Illinois University stand out for Geography students despite moderate costs?

Northern Illinois University graduates earn $44,189 annually, the highest among Illinois Geography programs, while maintaining a reasonable $12,909 net cost. The university achieves a 49.6% graduation rate with 70.68% acceptance rate. This combination of strong earning potential and accessibility makes it a standout choice for Geography students seeking value.

How do private colleges compare to public options for Geography affordability?

Private colleges show dramatic cost variations, from Augustana College at $12,437 net cost to Northwestern at $27,143. Public universities consistently offer lower costs, with five schools under $14,000 net price. However, private schools like Augustana achieve 79.2% graduation rates compared to public averages around 50%.

Is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for Geography?

UIUC charges $15,201 net cost and achieves an 84.9% graduation rate, significantly higher than most state schools. However, graduates earn $31,133, which trails Northern Illinois University by $13,000 annually. The school's 44.82% acceptance rate makes it more selective than typical public options.

Where do Geography graduates find the best earning potential in Illinois?

Northern Illinois University leads at $44,189 for graduate earnings, followed by Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville at $41,789. These earnings reflect opportunities in Chicago's urban planning sector and statewide transportation mapping. The lowest earnings come from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at $28,960, creating a $15,000 range across programs.

More Geography and Cartography Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.