Accounting at DeVry University-Illinois

For a for-profit institution charging an estimated $23,823 in debt for a two-year accounting credential, DeVry's program sits notably above national benchmarks. Similar for-profit associate's programs nationally carry median debt of $19,354, while Illinois community colleges offering the same degree typically charge around $20,554. That $3,000-$4,000 premium matters when peer programs in Illinois—like College of DuPage—produce first-year earnings around $48,000 compared to the estimated $37,000 here.

The earnings trajectory tells a more complex story. Based on comparable accounting associate's programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $37,000, but by year four, actual reported figures for this program show graduates earning $41,277. That's still $4,500 below the Illinois median for accounting associate's degrees and roughly $6,500 behind what nearby community college graduates achieve. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 is manageable on paper, but it's calculated against estimated figures that may not reflect this program's actual graduate outcomes.

The bottom line: you're likely paying more for a credential that peer programs in Illinois suggest will produce below-state-average earnings. Community colleges offer the same degree with lower debt and stronger employment outcomes. Unless DeVry provides specific placement advantages or scheduling flexibility that justifies the premium—factors not captured in these estimates—the comparable programs at Illinois public institutions present a clearer value proposition.