Business Administration, Management and Operations at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt's Business Administration associate's program punches well above its weight nationally but sits squarely in the middle of the pack for Illinois. With first-year earnings of $44,510, graduates outperform 95% of similar programs nationwide—impressive given that many community colleges struggle to crack $35,000. However, within Illinois's competitive landscape, this program lands at the 60th percentile, trailing community colleges like Harper ($59,982) and College of DuPage ($46,497) that serve similar student populations.

The modest $12,000 debt load makes this accessible, particularly for Roosevelt's student body where nearly half receive Pell grants. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 is quite manageable. The wrinkle is that earnings slip slightly to $43,617 by year four—not catastrophic, but it suggests graduates may hit their ceiling quickly rather than building momentum in their careers.

One important caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. For a family weighing options, this program delivers solid outcomes without crushing debt, but Chicago-area students should compare costs carefully against nearby community colleges that might offer similar or better placement at lower price points. If Roosevelt's urban campus and four-year institution resources matter for your student's goals, the premium may be justified.