Business Administration, Management and Operations at Chicago State University

Chicago State's business management program leaves graduates with nearly dollar-for-dollar debt burden—owing $42,394 while earning $42,882 in their first year. This 0.99 debt-to-earnings ratio ranks among the highest in the nation (5th percentile) and stands in stark contrast to the typical Illinois business graduate, who carries just $25,793 in debt. Even as earnings grow to $45,591 by year four, graduates remain underwater on this investment compared to peers at other Illinois schools.

The earnings themselves tell a challenging story. At $42,882, first-year graduates earn about $3,500 less than the Illinois median for business programs and roughly $3,000 below the national benchmark. Within Illinois, this means ranking in just the 40th percentile—behind programs at public universities like SIU-Carbondale ($55,633) and far from flagship options like UIC ($65,781). The 6% earnings growth over four years barely outpaces inflation.

For families considering this program, the math is unforgiving: you're taking on above-average debt for below-average earnings. The high proportion of Pell grant recipients (55%) suggests many students here have limited financial cushion to absorb this kind of debt burden. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances keeping a student at Chicago State specifically, other Illinois business programs offer substantially better debt-to-earnings profiles that would make monthly loan payments far more manageable on a business graduate's salary.