Business Administration, Management and Operations at Benedictine University

Benedictine University's business administration program starts graduates at nearly $50,000 and pushes them to $64,500 by year four—a 30% earnings jump that outpaces typical career progression for this degree. That places it solidly in the 60th percentile among Illinois business programs, trailing the flagship state schools but matching or exceeding most competitors. The $25,000 debt load is exactly in line with state norms, creating a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle comfortably.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. While first-year earnings sit just above state and national medians, the strong growth to year four suggests graduates find their footing quickly—likely moving into management roles or industries that reward experience. Compare this to the University of Illinois schools where graduates start higher ($65-68K) but you're also looking at more competitive admission and potentially higher costs for out-of-state students.

For families considering Illinois business programs, this represents solid middle-ground value: respectable outcomes without the debt burden that often comes with private universities. The 77% admission rate makes it accessible, and the earnings growth pattern indicates the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions. It's not going to compete with U of I Urbana-Champaign, but it delivers reliable returns at a reasonable price point.