Marketing at Lewis University

Lewis University's Marketing program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—exactly at Illinois's median for graduate earnings, and just slightly below the national average. While that might sound uninspiring, there's a pragmatic case here: $20,000 in debt is notably lower than typical Marketing programs nationally ($24,267) and in Illinois ($24,017), giving graduates more financial flexibility as they build their careers.

The 24% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates gain traction in the job market, moving from $43,196 to $53,530. However, this program can't compete with Illinois's top tier—UIUC Marketing grads earn 60% more right out of the gate, and even regional state schools like Illinois State and Northern Illinois produce graduates earning around $51,000 initially. The gap matters for students weighing similar tuition costs across public institutions.

For families prioritizing manageable debt over elite outcomes, this works. The lower borrowing combined with middle-of-the-road earnings creates a debt-to-earnings ratio that won't hamstring early career decisions. But students with the academic profile for more competitive Illinois programs should seriously consider them—the earnings premium from schools like Illinois State would quickly offset any modest tuition differences, especially for in-state students.