Analysis
Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $38,500 for a bachelor's in health professions, with typical debt loads near $27,000—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 that falls within manageable territory. What complicates the picture here is Illinois' healthcare education landscape: Bradley University, the only comparable program in the state with reported data, shows significantly lower earnings at $27,857, calling into question whether Benedictine's graduates will match the national pattern or follow the state trend.
The $27,000 debt estimate based on similar programs at Benedictine would be reasonable if earnings actually hit that $38,500 mark—you'd be looking at debt equal to about eight months of gross income. But if outcomes track closer to what Bradley reports, that same debt becomes nearly a full year's salary, fundamentally changing the payback timeline. The broad "health professions" designation matters too; this credential could lead to roles ranging from health services administration to community health work, fields with vastly different compensation trajectories.
Without program-specific outcomes, you're making a bet that Benedictine's specific curriculum and employer connections produce results more like the national pool than the one Illinois program with transparent data. That's possible, but it's a bet being made with real money. Before committing, identify exactly which health profession this degree prepares students for and verify typical starting salaries for that specific role in the Chicago area.
Where Benedictine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Benedictine UniversityLisle | $34,290 | $38,492* | — | $26,972* | — |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $27,857* | $60,754 | $26,899* | 0.97 |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
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.
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 national median of 44 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.