Location: Naperville, IL•In-State Tuition: $44,394•Admission Rate: 58%•Avg SAT: 1165
Median Earnings (1yr)
$85,168
95th percentile
Median Debt
$26,851
15% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.32 ManageableSample: 18 graduates Limited data

Analysis

North Central College graduates with this degree earn $85,168 in their first year—nearly $13,000 more than graduates from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and dramatically above the $48,715 median for Illinois programs in this field. That's the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, putting this small liberal arts college ahead of much larger research universities. The $26,851 in typical debt sits just slightly above state averages but represents only 32 cents per dollar of first-year earnings, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment profiles you'll find for this degree.

The significant caveat: fewer than 30 students graduated from this program in the measured cohort, which means these numbers could shift substantially year-to-year. A handful of graduates landing particularly strong positions—perhaps in quantitative finance or data analytics roles in Chicago's business corridor—could be driving these exceptional outcomes. Still, the gap between North Central's results and other Illinois schools is wide enough to suggest genuine program strength rather than statistical noise.

For families considering this program, the combination of strong earnings and manageable debt makes it financially compelling, but verify that recent graduates are consistently landing in these high-paying roles. The small program size might actually be an advantage—more faculty attention, tighter industry connections—but you'll want to confirm the trajectory holds beyond this cohort.

Where North Central College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

North Central CollegeOther management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How North Central College graduates compare to all programs nationally

North Central College earns $85k — 95th percentile among management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors programs.

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
North Central CollegeNaperville$44,394$85,168—$26,8510.32
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$72,527$86,860$21,0000.29
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$59,084$68,572$26,0940.44
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 North Central College, approximately 25% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.