Accounting at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's accounting graduates earn solidly above both national and state medians—ranking in the 60th percentile among Illinois accounting programs—while managing relatively low debt loads. Starting at $55,350 and climbing to over $64,000 by year four represents healthy 16% growth and performance that rivals more selective programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 is quite manageable, especially given that 46% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves first-generation and lower-income students without saddling them with crushing debt.

The gap between Roosevelt and Illinois's top programs—where graduates earn $65,000 to $75,000—is notable but may reflect different career paths rather than employability issues. Accounting has multiple entry points: public accounting, corporate finance, government work, and nonprofit sectors all value the CPA credential that Roosevelt prepares students for. With a 94% admission rate, Roosevelt provides access to a stable professional credential that many selective programs don't offer.

For families seeking an accounting degree in Chicago, Roosevelt delivers solid returns at a reasonable price point. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes this a financially sound choice, particularly for students who might not gain admission to the state's most competitive programs. You're getting legitimate professional preparation in a major metro market without the financial strain that often accompanies private urban universities.