Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Eastern Illinois University

With both earnings and debt estimated from peer programs, the financial picture for Eastern Illinois University's IT management bachelor's suggests moderate returns. Based on comparable programs in Illinois, graduates typically earn around $59,685 in their first year—matching the state median but trailing higher-earning schools like DePaul by more than $20,000. The estimated debt load of $25,019 is actually slightly lower than typical for this field, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42.

The challenge here is that similar programs in Illinois show considerable variation in outcomes. While Eastern's estimated earnings align with the middle of the pack, the uncertainty cuts both ways—actual graduates could outperform or underperform these benchmarks. The field itself offers solid job prospects in systems administration and IT project management, but location matters significantly for tech careers.

For families evaluating this program, the estimated debt burden seems reasonable if actual earnings materialize near the projected range. However, the lack of reported data means you're essentially betting on Eastern's program performing like average IT management programs statewide. If possible, ask the school about recent graduate placement rates and typical employers—those details might offer more concrete signals about whether this specific program justifies the investment, especially compared to Chicago-area alternatives where tech hiring is more robust.