Marketing at Benedictine University

Benedictine's marketing program produces first-year earnings of $44,417—essentially matching the national average but slightly ahead of Illinois's median. However, the sample size here is small enough (under 30 graduates) that these numbers might not tell the complete story. What's more telling is the gap between this program and Illinois's strongest options: graduates from top state programs are earning $7,000 to $25,000 more right out of the gate.

The upside is manageable debt. At $20,201, Benedictine graduates carry about $4,000 less debt than the typical Illinois marketing major, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—comfortable enough to handle with standard repayment plans. For context, this ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois marketing programs, meaning it outperforms roughly 40% of in-state alternatives. That's respectable, especially given Benedictine's 77% admission rate and the fact that 39% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program serves students from diverse economic backgrounds.

The practical reality: if your child is choosing between Benedictine and a top-tier Illinois program, the earnings gap is significant. But if comparing similar-tier schools, Benedictine's lighter debt load makes it competitive. Just remember the small sample size means these numbers could shift substantially with a larger cohort. It's not a standout program, but it won't bury your child in debt either.