Business Administration, Management and Operations at Aurora University

Aurora University's business management program consistently outperforms state and national averages, delivering earnings about 7% above Illinois peers and 7% above the national median. With graduates earning $48,843 in year one and climbing to $59,359 by year four, this represents solid middle-tier performance—ranking in the 60th percentile both statewide and nationally. The 22% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates are advancing into management roles rather than plateauing.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $25,000, it sits slightly below both state and national medians, producing a manageable 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—a comfortable position that should allow for steady loan repayment while maintaining financial flexibility. With 43% of students on Pell grants and an 85% admission rate, Aurora appears to deliver social mobility without the premium price tag of Illinois's top programs.

While graduates won't match the $65,000+ starting salaries at University of Illinois or Loyola, they're also avoiding the higher tuition and debt burdens those schools typically carry. For families seeking a practical business education that leads to steady career progression without crushing debt, this program accomplishes exactly that. The robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) makes these figures particularly reliable for planning purposes.