Economics at McKendree University

Economics degrees from Illinois colleges show enormous variation—from $92,000 at the University of Chicago down to the state median of $47,000. McKendree's estimated outcomes place it right at that median, both for earnings and debt. For a small private university, that's actually a solid position: you're not overpaying for sub-par results.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 is manageable by most standards. Similar Illinois economics programs suggest graduates could handle their estimated $23,700 in debt on $47,000 in first-year income, though it won't leave much cushion early on. The national economics picture is slightly rosier at $51,700 median earnings, but McKendree appears to track with regional outcomes rather than national averages—typical for a regional private school.

The real question is opportunity cost. If your child could access University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (nearly $59,000 in earnings) or even schools like Olivet Nazarene ($54,000), the financial gap widens quickly. But if McKendree offers meaningful advantages—smaller classes, specific faculty mentorship, or stronger fit—the estimated $23,700 debt load won't become unbearable. Just understand you're likely paying private-school tuition for middle-of-the-pack Illinois outcomes, not the premium results some peer institutions deliver.