Business, Management, Marketing, at Benedictine University

Benedictine's business program lands graduates in the middle of the pack initially, then delivers something more interesting: strong earnings momentum. That $72,412 median at year four represents 29% growth and outpaces both the Illinois median ($52,394) and national benchmarks. Among Illinois business programs—admittedly a small group of five schools—this ranks in the 60th percentile, putting it above average for in-state options.

The $25,000 debt load is essentially neutral, sitting just below national and state medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—manageable territory that improves quickly as earnings climb. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these outcomes are reasonably representative, though not based on huge cohorts.

For Illinois families weighing in-state business programs, Benedictine offers better value than its 77% admission rate might suggest. The combination of below-median debt and above-median earnings growth makes this a practical choice, particularly for students who can keep borrowing in check. You're not getting elite outcomes, but you're getting solid mid-career trajectory at a reasonable price point.