Analysis
Based on comparable business programs in Illinois, first-year earnings around $45,000 against an estimated debt load of roughly $27,000 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60—slightly better than the national median debt burden for business majors. Similar programs across Illinois cluster tightly in the mid-$40,000s for starting salaries, suggesting this is the realistic baseline for a business bachelor's in the state, though some programs like DeVry push significantly higher.
What's worth noting is how Hebrew Theological College's small graduate cohort—the reason these figures are estimates rather than actual outcomes—might reflect a highly specialized student body. With only 12% of students receiving Pell grants and a 92% admission rate, this appears to be a school serving a particular community rather than the general market. Peer programs in Illinois suggest graduates should expect to manage about $270 in monthly loan payments on typical entry-level business salaries, which is workable but leaves little margin if earnings fall short.
The practical question is whether this specific institution's unique mission and community fit your child's needs, since the financial picture looks standard for an Illinois business degree. If the religious and cultural environment is central to your family, these estimated outcomes suggest it won't come at an unusual financial cost compared to secular alternatives in the state.
Where Hebrew Theological College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,700 | $45,015* | — | $26,845* | — | |
| $17,488 | $57,020* | $56,664 | $47,236* | 0.83 | |
| $12,320 | $47,463* | $53,072 | $23,180* | 0.49 | |
| $12,383 | $45,015* | $67,572 | $17,788* | 0.40 | |
| $54,202 | $44,283* | $64,213 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $36,840 | $44,190* | $57,865 | $26,845* | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hebrew Theological College, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.