Analysis
National Louis University graduates in Management Sciences earn $68,572 four years out—substantially more than the $48,715 median for Illinois programs and placing this degree in the 60th percentile statewide. That's a meaningful advantage for a school with open enrollment serving a majority first-generation and low-income student population. Students here borrow a manageable $26,094, well below what most programs demand for similar or worse outcomes.
The numbers tell a practical story: graduates start at $59,084 and see 16% earnings growth over four years, a trajectory that significantly outpaces their debt load. While this program doesn't reach the heights of North Central College or UIUC's top-tier results, it beats half the state's programs and does so at below-median borrowing levels. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a comfortable position for building financial stability.
For families weighing this option, National Louis delivers what matters most: graduates earn more than peers at comparable Illinois schools while taking on less debt. The moderate sample size suggests consistent placement rather than outlier outcomes. This is a solid value play in the Chicago market, particularly for students seeking upward mobility without the risk of crushing debt.
Where National Louis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How National Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Louis University | $59,084 | $68,572 | +16% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $72,527 | $86,860 | +20% |
| Roosevelt University | $48,715 | $67,362 | +38% |
| University of St Francis | $45,735 | $63,636 | +39% |
| DePaul University | $51,522 | $62,488 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,345 | $59,084 | $68,572 | $26,094 | 0.44 | |
| $44,394 | $85,168 | — | $26,851 | 0.32 | |
| $16,004 | $72,527 | $86,860 | $21,000 | 0.29 | |
| $34,290 | $58,820 | — | $25,000 | 0.43 | |
| $44,460 | $51,522 | $62,488 | $24,500 | 0.48 | |
| $12,700 | $51,128 | $60,593 | $21,600 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $62,069 | — | $23,250 | 0.37 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates
Actuaries
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Operations Research Analysts
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 93 graduates with reported earnings and 106 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.