Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Bradley University

Based on comparable Illinois liberal arts programs, Bradley's offering appears to land squarely in the middle of the state pack—estimated first-year earnings of $42,100 match the state median exactly, while estimated debt of $31,000 runs slightly above it. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that other liberal arts programs in Illinois show dramatic variation, from DePaul's $84,000 outcomes to more modest results elsewhere. The wide spread tells you that program quality and institutional networks matter significantly in this field.

The uncertainty here cuts both ways. Bradley's 77% admission rate and respectable SAT average suggest it's a legitimate mid-tier institution, not a struggling program likely to underperform. But without actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting that Bradley's liberal arts students fare as well as the typical Illinois program in this field. Given that Bradley is a private university with higher tuition than state schools, you'd hope for outcomes closer to DePaul or Saint Xavier's reported figures—but the estimates don't suggest that premium exists.

For anxious parents, the practical question is whether $31,000 in debt for a general liberal arts degree provides enough career launching power. If your student has clear post-graduation plans—graduate school with strong assistantship prospects, a family business, or specific networking advantages—this could work fine. But if they're hoping the degree itself opens doors, the estimated numbers suggest you're paying for an average outcome at what's likely an above-average price.