Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Elmhurst University

Based on comparable health sciences programs in Illinois, graduates here are looking at roughly $27,000 in debt against first-year earnings of about $34,800—numbers that align closely with both state and national medians for this broad field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that "Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences" is an umbrella category that can include everything from health administration to pre-professional tracks, each with vastly different career trajectories.

The challenge with this program is that without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting on whether Elmhurst's specific curriculum and career support match the Illinois average. Other health sciences programs in the state show significant variation—North Park graduates start at $40,400 while UIC's earn closer to $29,700—suggesting that program focus and local employer relationships matter considerably. For a school serving over a third of students with Pell grants, that $27,000 debt load is substantial if the program leads to the lower end of that range.

The practical question is whether this bachelor's degree is terminal or a stepping stone to graduate work in nursing, physical therapy, or another licensed profession. If it's the latter, these numbers are essentially irrelevant since you're evaluating the wrong credential. If your child intends to work immediately after graduation, press the school for specific career placement data and job titles—knowing whether graduates become medical assistants or health services managers makes all the difference in whether this investment pays off.