Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Aurora University$64,189
DeVry University-Illinois$57,020$56,664$47,2360.83
Trinity International University-Illinois$47,463$53,072$23,1800.49
Northeastern Illinois University$45,015$67,572$17,7880.40
Lake Forest College$44,283$64,213$27,0000.61
Saint Xavier University$44,190$57,865$26,8450.61
National Median$47,506$26,0000.55

Other Business/Commerce Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
DeVry University-Illinois
Lisle
$17,488$57,020$47,236
Trinity International University-Illinois
Deerfield
$12,320$47,463$23,180
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago
$12,383$45,015$17,788
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest
$54,202$44,283$27,000
Saint Xavier University
Chicago
$36,840$44,190$26,845

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Aurora University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.