Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bradley University

Bradley's business program delivers earnings that beat most Illinois schools—landing in the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt right at the state median. With graduates earning $51,347 in year one, that's $5,000 more than what typical Illinois business grads make and nearly $6,000 above the national median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 means students borrow about half their first-year salary, a manageable starting point for most families.

The concern here is growth trajectory. Earnings increase just 5% over four years, reaching $53,855. While that's still respectable compared to peers, it's modest progress that suggests graduates may need to be strategic about career moves to maximize their earning potential. Still, even at the four-year mark, Bradley grads earn more than the median Illinois business graduate makes initially.

For families evaluating Bradley's $25,586 typical debt load against its outcomes, the math works: graduates start with earnings that comfortably exceed their debt and maintain a competitive position within Illinois. This isn't the elite tier you see at University of Illinois or Loyola, but it's solidly above average performance at a school with a 77% admission rate, making it accessible for students who might not qualify for the state's most selective programs.