Analysis
Benedictine's accounting program delivers outcomes that cluster right around the middle—graduates earn $54,328 initially, roughly matching the national median but falling slightly below Illinois's stronger state average. While the program ranks in the 52nd percentile nationally, its 40th percentile standing among Illinois schools reveals the challenge: students could access stronger programs at similar price points within the state. The gap is real—top Illinois programs like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Wesleyan place graduates earning $20,000+ more in their first year.
The debt picture offers some reassurance. At $23,325, borrowers face a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. Solid 18% earnings growth to $64,330 by year four suggests the degree provides a stable foundation for career progression, even if it doesn't open doors to the highest-paying accounting positions right away.
For families prioritizing accessibility—Benedictine admits 77% of applicants and serves a significant population of Pell recipients—this represents a reasonable path into accounting with controllable debt. However, students with stronger academic profiles should seriously explore whether peer institutions in Illinois might offer better career outcomes for comparable investment.
Where Benedictine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Benedictine University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benedictine University | $54,328 | $64,330 | +18% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $70,831 | $85,000 | +20% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $69,965 | $82,642 | +18% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $74,731 | $80,736 | +8% |
| DePaul University | $69,250 | $80,614 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Benedictine UniversityLisle | $34,290 | $54,328 | $64,330 | $23,325 | 0.43 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $74,731 | $80,736 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington | $55,704 | $70,831 | $85,000 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $69,965 | $82,642 | $22,125 | 0.32 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $69,250 | $80,614 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $65,842 | $72,938 | $26,925 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Benedictine University, approximately 39% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.