Business Administration, Management and Operations at National Louis University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
National Louis University's business degree comes with a critical caveat: the sample size is under 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than usual. That said, the available data shows graduates earning $45,096 their first year—below both the Illinois state median ($46,431) and landing in just the 40th percentile among Illinois business programs. Put simply, six in ten comparable programs in the state produce better-earning graduates.
The debt burden of roughly $25,000 sits near state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants and a 93% admission rate, National Louis clearly serves a different mission than Illinois's flagship universities (where business grads earn $65,000-$68,000). For students seeking access to a business degree rather than maximum earnings potential, the modest debt load matters more than the below-median starting salary.
Given the small sample and below-average outcomes, families should dig deeper: contact the school about job placement rates, alumni outcomes, and whether internship pipelines exist in Chicago's business community. If your student has options among Illinois business programs, those state comparisons suggest looking elsewhere unless National Louis offers specific advantages in scheduling flexibility or support services worth the earnings tradeoff.
Where National Louis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
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 National Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally
National Louis University graduates earn $45k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (52 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Louis University | $45,096 | — | $24,957 | 0.55 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $68,442 | $81,669 | $19,175 | 0.28 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $65,781 | — | $20,832 | 0.32 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $64,513 | $56,763 | $25,000 | 0.39 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $59,693 | $56,566 | $37,315 | 0.63 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $55,633 | $58,561 | $27,500 | 0.49 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $68,442 | $19,175 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $65,781 | $20,832 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $64,513 | $25,000 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford | $13,546 | $59,693 | $37,315 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale | $13,244 | $55,633 | $27,500 |
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 National Louis University, approximately 57% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.