Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Methodist College

Methodist College's health sciences bachelor's degree carries an estimated $27,000 in debt—close to both state and national medians—but based on comparable Illinois programs, graduates typically start around $35,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 sits in reasonable territory, though it means nearly a full year's salary devoted to student loans. With 56% of students receiving Pell grants, this private institution serves many families for whom that debt load represents significant financial pressure, even if the ratio itself doesn't immediately flash warning signs.

The context matters here: similar programs across Illinois show considerable variation, with North Park graduates earning $40,000+ while University of Illinois Chicago grads start closer to $30,000. Health sciences is a broad field encompassing everything from health administration to pre-professional tracks, and first-year earnings can depend heavily on whether graduates move directly into the workforce or pursue additional credentials. Without reported outcomes specific to Methodist, it's difficult to know where this program lands in that spectrum or what career paths graduates typically follow.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Methodist's specific curriculum and career placement justify borrowing near the median when peer programs show such range. The modest admission rate suggests selectivity, but you'll need to dig into exactly what roles graduates enter and whether the school's connections in Peoria translate to solid job placements that justify the investment—information these estimates simply can't provide.