Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Special Education and Teaching bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (30 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Bradley University$43,072
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$51,922$61,326$18,9250.36
Trinity Christian College$48,840$47,999$35,6110.73
Illinois State University$48,358$49,411$20,4360.42
Western Illinois University$46,729$44,173$25,9860.56
Northern Illinois University$46,578$49,485$21,4520.46
National Median$44,139$26,7170.61

Other Special Education and Teaching Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign
$16,004$51,922$18,925
Trinity Christian College
Palos Heights
$20,325$48,840$35,611
Illinois State University
Normal
$16,021$48,358$20,436
Western Illinois University
Macomb
$14,952$46,729$25,986
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb
$12,700$46,578$21,452

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 Bradley University, approximately 29% 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.