Analysis
Similar mathematics programs in Illinois suggest Concordia-Chicago's graduates might earn around $53,000 in their first year—slightly above the national median for math majors—while carrying an estimated $17,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 is notably better than the typical Illinois math program (which sits closer to $21,000) and well below the national benchmark. For a school with a 93% admission rate serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, these peer-program estimates indicate potentially manageable financial outcomes.
The challenge is context: Illinois math programs span an enormous range, from University of Chicago's $100,000+ to programs clustering around $50,000. Without actual graduate data from Concordia-Chicago specifically, it's impossible to know where on that spectrum this program truly lands. The estimates place it near the state median, but that's an educated guess based on comparable credentials, not a track record you can verify.
For parents weighing this decision, the estimated debt level is encouraging—substantially lower than what most Illinois math majors carry. But you're essentially betting on peer-program performance rather than proven outcomes. If your student is drawn to Concordia-Chicago for specific reasons (perhaps the smaller environment or particular faculty), these estimates suggest the financial risk might be reasonable. Just recognize you're making that choice with limited visibility into how this specific program's graduates actually fare.
Where Concordia University-Chicago Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (48 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,258 | $52,597* | — | $17,084* | — | |
| $66,939 | $100,421* | $107,611 | $12,000* | 0.12 | |
| $65,997 | $79,530* | $85,521 | $12,418* | 0.16 | |
| $44,460 | $55,586* | $75,420 | $26,154* | 0.47 | |
| $16,021 | $52,597* | $56,681 | $20,309* | 0.39 | |
| $34,070 | $51,157* | $51,631 | $21,750* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772* | — | $21,500* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 Concordia University-Chicago, approximately 45% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.