Business Administration, Management and Operations at DeVry University-Illinois

DeVry University-Illinois delivers strong starting salaries for business graduates, with first-year earnings of $55,102 ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally—well above the national median of $45,703. However, this comes at a premium price that demands careful consideration. At $46,797 in median debt, graduates carry nearly double the national average debt load for this program ($26,000) and significantly more than the Illinois state median ($25,793).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 means graduates typically owe about 10 months' worth of their starting salary, which is manageable but higher than most alternatives. More concerning is the flat earnings growth—just 1% increase from year one to year four suggests limited career advancement potential. Within Illinois, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it's decent but not exceptional compared to in-state options like University of Illinois campuses that offer $68,000+ starting salaries.

For families, this represents a trade-off: you're paying significantly more for moderately higher starting earnings that may plateau quickly. The program serves students well initially but may not justify the premium debt load when compared to less expensive state options that could deliver similar long-term outcomes. Consider whether the higher upfront costs align with your family's financial situation and your child's career ambitions.