Analysis
Benedictine's Social Sciences graduates start at $42,023—beating 75% of similar programs nationally and landing comfortably above Illinois' state median of $40,538. The debt load of $32,824 is higher than you'd find at most social sciences programs, but the 0.78 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates carry less than a year's salary in debt, a manageable starting point. What really stands out is the 24% earnings jump to $52,295 by year four, suggesting these graduates find their footing in the job market.
The higher debt is worth noting but not alarming—it's still just $3,000 more than the state average, and the stronger starting salary offsets much of that difference within the first year. For a social sciences degree serving a significant population of Pell grant students (39%), these outcomes show the program is delivering real economic mobility rather than just credentials.
The caveat: these numbers come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. But if you're comparing Illinois social sciences programs and your child is drawn to Benedictine's environment, the economic fundamentals are solid enough to move forward with confidence. The combination of above-median earnings and reasonable debt creates a foundation for financial stability—exactly what a liberal arts degree should provide.
Where Benedictine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Benedictine University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benedictine University | $42,023 | $52,295 | +24% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $61,109 | $97,257 | +59% |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $34,845 | $62,428 | +79% |
| Boston University | $48,243 | $61,389 | +27% |
| University of Rochester | $37,491 | $61,172 | +63% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Social Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Benedictine UniversityLisle | $34,290 | $42,023 | $52,295 | $32,824 | 0.78 |
 Lake Forest CollegeLake Forest | $54,202 | $39,054 | — | $26,500 | 0.68 |
| National Median | — | $36,279 | — | $25,500 | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social 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.