Business/Corporate Communications at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's Business/Corporate Communications program produces graduates who earn slightly below the national median initially ($40,005 vs. $41,494), but this masks an important regional context. Among Illinois programs, Roosevelt performs at the 60th percentile—meaning it outearns more than half of comparable in-state options. The debt load of $19,500 is notably lower than the national median of $23,250, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. For Chicago-area families, this represents a practical entry point into corporate communications without the debt burden common to many private universities.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth, with median pay increasing 22% to $48,938 by year four. While these aren't top-tier salaries, they reflect the reality of communications roles in corporate settings—positions that often prioritize work-life balance and skill development over peak earnings. Roosevelt's open-admission model and significant Pell grant population (46%) suggest this program succeeds at what it's designed to do: provide accessible communications training to students who might not have traditional four-year college options.

For families weighing this program, the question hinges on expectations and alternatives. If your child needs to stay in Illinois and you're comparing Roosevelt to other local options with similar costs, the combination of reasonable debt and mid-pack state performance makes this a defensible choice. The program won't launch graduates into high-paying marketing executive roles immediately, but it provides foundational skills at a price point that won't derail financial futures.