Analysis
Judson's Human Services program places graduates slightly above both national and Illinois medians for earnings, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift considerably year to year. At 60th percentile among Illinois programs, it's ahead of larger schools like Northern Illinois University but trails Rasmussen's Illinois campuses by about $2,500 in starting salary.
The real concern isn't the debt load, which at $34,455 translates to roughly $380 in monthly payments—manageable on a $37,000 salary. It's the earnings trajectory: graduates see income drop 7% between years one and four, falling to $35,151. This backward slide is unusual and worth investigating. It could reflect career paths where early momentum doesn't translate to advancement, or it might be a data quirk given the limited sample.
For parents weighing this investment, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 is reasonable for human services work, which rarely commands high salaries but offers stable employment. However, the declining earnings pattern suggests graduates may need additional credentials or strategic career moves to see income growth. Given the small cohort tracked here, request placement data and talk to recent alumni about their career progressions before committing. This program appears serviceable but not exceptional within Illinois's human services landscape.
Where Judson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Judson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judson University | $37,671 | $35,151 | -7% |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| Northern Illinois University | $29,062 | $39,783 | +37% |
| Quincy University | $32,726 | $32,364 | -1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Judson UniversityElgin | $30,910 | $37,671 | $35,151 | $34,455 | 0.91 |
 Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford | $13,546 | $40,125 | — | $46,312 | 1.15 |
 Quincy UniversityQuincy | $35,740 | $32,726 | $32,364 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
 Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb | $12,700 | $29,062 | $39,783 | $27,000 | 0.93 |
| National Median | — | $36,630 | — | $31,573 | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
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 Judson University, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 21 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.