Business Administration, Management and Operations at Judson University

Judson University's business program starts modestly but shows impressive momentum—graduates earning $45,731 initially see their income jump 41% to $64,319 within four years. That growth trajectory outpaces many Illinois business programs and suggests employers value these graduates more as they gain experience.

The initial earnings sit slightly below Illinois's median for business programs (40th percentile statewide), trailing schools like U of I Urbana-Champaign by a substantial margin. However, the debt load of $27,000 is quite manageable, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.59—better than three-quarters of similar programs nationally. A business graduate here could reasonably pay off their loans while building their career, especially given that strong mid-career earnings boost.

For families evaluating this program against larger Illinois schools, the key question is timing: are you comfortable with your child earning less initially in exchange for solid four-year prospects and lower debt? The 41% earnings growth suggests the fundamentals are sound, even if the program lacks the immediate credibility of state flagship universities. The moderate sample size means individual experiences may vary, but the upward earnings curve provides concrete evidence that Judson graduates aren't stuck at their starting salary.