Location: Aurora, IL•In-State Tuition: $28,220•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1072
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,715
Est. from IL median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,000
Est. from IL median (8 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs in Illinois, this degree appears to land squarely in the middle of the state's management sciences landscape—but that middle sits considerably below what top programs deliver. While the estimated $48,715 first-year salary aligns with the Illinois median, it's roughly $13,000 below the national benchmark of $62,069 for this credential. More concerning, nearby North Central College and UIUC graduates earn $85,000 and $72,500 respectively, suggesting Aurora's program may lack the recruiting relationships or curriculum rigor that command premium starting salaries in this field.

The estimated debt load of $25,000 is manageable relative to first-year earnings—a 0.51 ratio means borrowers would owe about half their annual salary, which is reasonable by national standards. However, the opportunity cost matters here. Given Aurora's 85% admission rate and modest academic profile, families should consider whether peer programs at schools like Benedictine University (nearly $59,000 in earnings) or even DePaul might offer better placement outcomes for similar admissions selectivity.

The fundamental challenge is that management sciences degrees are meant to be analytical powerhouses that open doors to consulting, operations, or data-driven business roles. When earnings estimates lag $20,000-$35,000 behind the strongest Illinois programs, it suggests employers may not view this degree as competitive preparation. If your child is set on this field, pressing Aurora directly about actual graduate outcomes, employer partnerships, and job placement rates would be essential before committing.

Where Aurora University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Aurora University (estimated ±10%)Other management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Aurora UniversityAurora$28,220$48,715*—$25,000*—
North Central CollegeNaperville$44,394$85,168*—$26,851*0.32
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$72,527*$86,860$21,000*0.29
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$59,084*$68,572$26,094*0.44
Benedictine UniversityLisle$34,290$58,820*—$25,000*0.43
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$51,522*$62,488$24,500*0.48
National Median—$62,069*—$23,250*0.37
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.