Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Roosevelt University

A $27,000 debt load for first-year earnings around $34,800—based on what similar health sciences bachelor's programs in Illinois typically produce—suggests a manageable but tight financial start. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 falls within reasonable bounds, meaning graduates could potentially pay off loans within a few years under standard repayment plans. However, that first-year salary sits right at Illinois's median for these programs, leaving little cushion for the nearly half of Roosevelt students who rely on Pell grants and may have additional financial pressures.

What's concerning is the broad range of outcomes among comparable Illinois programs. North Park graduates report earning $40,374 in their first year—nearly $6,000 more than the state median—while UIC graduates start around $29,735. Without actual data from Roosevelt's specific program, it's unclear where their graduates land on this spectrum. The field itself is notoriously varied, encompassing everything from healthcare administration to clinical support roles, which means your child's specific concentration and clinical connections matter enormously.

For a family evaluating this investment, the key question is whether Roosevelt provides the clinical placements and employer networks that lead to the higher-paying positions within health services. At this debt level, graduates need to land jobs quickly and ideally toward the upper end of that salary range. Ask the program directly about job placement rates and typical employer partners—generic answers should raise red flags.