Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,084
43rd percentile
60th percentile in Illinois
Median Debt
$26,094
12% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$59,084$68,572$26,0940.44
North Central CollegeNaperville$44,394$85,168$26,8510.32
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$72,527$86,860$21,0000.29
Benedictine UniversityLisle$34,290$58,820$25,0000.43
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$51,522$62,488$24,5000.48
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb$12,700$51,128$60,593$21,6000.42
National Median$62,069$23,2500.37

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.