Analysis
Similar health sciences programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $34,800—right at both the state and national median for this field. But with an estimated $27,000 in debt, the financial picture requires scrutiny of what comes next. Broad health sciences degrees can lead anywhere from research coordination to hospital administration, and that career trajectory matters enormously for whether this debt load becomes manageable or burdensome.
The challenge is that comparable programs in Illinois show significant variance in outcomes. North Park's graduates earn nearly $6,000 more in their first year than the state median, while UIC's earn $5,000 less—a 34% spread that likely reflects different specializations and career paths. Without specific data on Benedictine's concentrations or where its graduates actually land, you're making a bet on program quality and career services you can't verify through outcomes data.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 sits in a gray zone: not disastrous, but not comfortable either for a first-year salary that barely covers living expenses in the Chicago area. If this degree serves as a stepping stone to graduate programs in nursing, physical therapy, or healthcare administration, it could make sense. If it's a terminal credential leading to entry-level healthcare support roles, that $27,000 will likely constrain financial flexibility for years. Press the school for employment specifics and alumni placement data before committing.
Where Benedictine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health services/allied health/health sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Benedictine UniversityLisle | $34,290 | $34,806* | — | $27,000* | — |
 North Park UniversityChicago | $35,325 | $40,374* | — | $30,666* | 0.76 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $34,897* | $54,773 | $27,000* | 0.77 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $34,806* | $65,454 | $21,339* | 0.61 |
 Wheaton CollegeWheaton | $43,930 | $32,375* | $63,432 | $20,356* | 0.63 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $29,735* | — | $21,500* | 0.72 |
| National Median | — | $35,279* | — | $26,690* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health services/allied health/health sciences graduates
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 median of 5 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.