Analysis
Similar programs in Illinois suggest first-year earnings around $52,424 for international business graduates, which aligns closely with the state median and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $49,890. With estimated debt of $25,000—matching both state and national norms—the program appears to track with typical outcomes across Illinois's sixteen international business programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 indicates manageable repayment, roughly half a year's salary in obligations.
What you're evaluating here is whether Benedictine's accessibility—evidenced by its 77% admission rate and substantial Pell-eligible population—translates to outcomes comparable to more selective competitors. Peer programs in Illinois show considerable variation, with Loyola graduates earning about $3,000 more annually while Bradley and Illinois State produce nearly identical earnings to what comparable programs suggest for Benedictine. The significant outlier is Augustana at $37,350, demonstrating that not all regional programs deliver similar value.
The practical takeaway: based on peer program performance, this appears positioned as a middle-market option where the debt burden shouldn't overwhelm early earnings. However, since these are estimates rather than Benedictine's actual graduate outcomes, you'll want to ask the school directly about job placement rates and where their international business graduates actually land—particularly whether they're placing students in Chicago's corporate market or elsewhere.
Where Benedictine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all international business bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
International Business bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,290 | $52,424* | — | $25,000* | — | |
| $51,716 | $55,496* | — | $25,000* | 0.45 | |
| $16,021 | $52,491* | $60,942 | $19,059* | 0.36 | |
| $39,680 | $52,357* | — | —* | — | |
| $49,834 | $37,350* | — | $25,500* | 0.68 | |
| National Median | — | $49,890* | — | $23,472* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with international business graduates
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Business Operations Specialists, All Other
Business Continuity Planners
Sustainability Specialists
Online Merchants
Security Management Specialists
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 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.