Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,065
79th percentile (60th in IL)
Median Debt
$25,000
3% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.49
Manageable
Sample Size
134
Adequate data

Analysis

Loyola Chicago's marketing graduates start earning more than the typical Illinois marketing grad and see their income jump 44% by year four—reaching $73,410, which puts real distance between them and most state competitors. While starting salaries trail powerhouses like U of I Urbana-Champaign, this program outperforms 60% of Illinois marketing programs and nearly 80% nationally, placing it firmly in the upper tier.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year salary—graduates owe less than half their starting income. More importantly, the four-year earnings trajectory suggests the Jesuit institution's Chicago location and business connections translate into genuine career momentum. That $73,410 four-year mark beats programs at Illinois State and Northern Illinois, schools where students started at similar salaries but saw slower growth.

For families weighing private school tuition against outcomes, this data makes a clear case: Loyola delivers above-average results without excessive debt. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier numbers. You're paying for access to Chicago's marketing ecosystem, and graduates appear to be converting that access into solid mid-career earnings.

Where Loyola University Chicago Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all marketing bachelors's programs nationally

Loyola University ChicagoOther marketing programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Loyola University Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally

Loyola University Chicago graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all marketing bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Marketing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (37 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Loyola University Chicago$51,065$73,410$25,0000.49
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign$69,273$78,864$20,0000.29
Illinois Wesleyan University$56,684———
Illinois State University$51,687$63,704$20,5000.40
Northern Illinois University$51,137$59,336$23,8750.47
DePaul University$50,012$67,367$25,0000.50
National Median$44,728—$24,2670.54

Other Marketing Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign
$16,004$69,273$20,000
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington
$55,704$56,684—
Illinois State University
Normal
$16,021$51,687$20,500
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb
$12,700$51,137$23,875
DePaul University
Chicago
$44,460$50,012$25,000

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 Loyola University Chicago, approximately 23% 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 134 graduates with reported earnings and 128 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.