Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods at Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's quantitative management program starts graduates at $42,500—well below both the Illinois median ($48,715) and far behind the national benchmark ($62,069). This places it in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs deliver better first-year outcomes. Within Illinois, it ranks around the 40th percentile, performing below average even among in-state options. Compare this to North Central College graduates earning $85,168 or U of I grads at $72,527, and the gap becomes stark.

The debt load of $25,000 is reasonable at face value, but when paired with starting earnings of $42,500, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—higher than ideal for a quantitative field that typically commands stronger salaries. Earnings do grow 20% to about $51,000 by year four, which helps, but this still lags behind what graduates from stronger Illinois programs earn right out of college.

For families weighing this program, the question is whether the accessibility of Eastern Illinois (68% admission rate, lower costs) justifies accepting earnings that trail state and national peers by thousands of dollars annually. If your child can gain admission to more competitive Illinois programs, the earnings data suggests those would likely offer better returns. This program works best for students who need the lower admission bar and are confident they can leverage the degree beyond its median outcomes.