Business Administration, Management and Operations at City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College

In Illinois, business administration associate's degrees range from about $40,000 to nearly $60,000 in first-year earnings, and based on similar programs statewide, Daley College's program likely lands in the middle of that pack—around $43,700. That's notably above the national median of $34,000 for these credentials, which makes sense given Chicago's stronger job market for business roles. The estimated $12,000 in debt translates to a manageable ratio of just 0.27, meaning graduates would owe roughly three months' salary.

What's less certain is where Daley's actual outcomes fall within Illinois' range. Peer programs in the state show substantial variation—Harper College graduates earn $60,000 while others cluster in the low $40,000s. That spread suggests the specific program's employer connections and curriculum emphasis matter considerably. Daley serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (22%), and community college business programs often provide crucial access to mid-level administrative roles without requiring a bachelor's degree upfront.

For families weighing this option, the estimated debt burden looks reasonable compared to potential earnings, but push the school for concrete placement data: which companies hire their graduates, what job titles they land, and whether credits transfer smoothly if your child decides to pursue a bachelor's later. Those details will matter more than statewide averages.