Finance and Financial Management Services at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's finance program launches graduates into strong first-year earnings at $66,919—about 25% above the national median and matching DePaul's outcomes despite Loyola's less selective admissions. The real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump to $84,622, suggesting graduates are landing roles with genuine advancement potential rather than hitting an early ceiling.

Within Illinois, this program sits at the 60th percentile—respectable but not elite. You're paying private school tuition (though the $24,988 median debt is actually modest for a private institution) to land in the middle of the state pack. That said, the earnings trajectory compares favorably to smaller Illinois programs like Lake Forest and Elmhurst, and the 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage their loans on starting salaries.

For families who can afford Loyola without taking on significantly more debt than this median, it's a solid bet—the Chicago location provides strong internship pipelines, and the outcomes show employers value these graduates. If cost is a major concern, remember you're paying a premium over public options while landing earnings that, while strong nationally, sit in the middle of Illinois finance programs. The growth trajectory makes this investment worthwhile for students who'll leverage the Chicago network, less so for those expecting University of Illinois-level outcomes at a similar price point.