Analysis
Roosevelt's HR program appears positioned right at the state median, with similar programs in Illinois suggesting first-year earnings around $51,763 and typical debt loads near $29,436. That 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably in manageable territory—graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary, which is reasonable for a bachelor's degree. The four-year earnings figure of $59,191 shows steady progression, though it's worth noting this sits below what some Illinois peers achieve: Benedictine and Northwestern grads earn $30,000+ more annually, suggesting the HR job market rewards pedigree or program focus.
The gap between Roosevelt and top Illinois programs raises questions about career trajectory. HR as a field typically offers stable employment rather than explosive earning potential, and starting in the $51,000 range in Chicago means budgeting will matter early on. The university's 94% admission rate and lower average test scores suggest it serves a different population than Northwestern, but that doesn't necessarily translate to weaker career outcomes—many HR roles value people skills and experience over institutional prestige.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated debt level won't cripple your child financially, but recognize these figures are drawn from peer programs rather than Roosevelt's actual graduate outcomes. The safest bet: connect with Roosevelt's career services to understand where their HR graduates actually land and whether alumni networks open doors at Chicago-area employers.
Where Roosevelt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt University | — | $59,191 | — |
| Benedictine University | $83,475 | $70,999 | -15% |
| Lewis University | $50,361 | $60,962 | +21% |
| McKendree University | $49,505 | $56,526 | +14% |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $56,465 | $56,152 | -1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,280 | $51,763* | $59,191 | $29,436* | — | |
| $34,290 | $83,475* | $70,999 | $31,872* | 0.38 | |
| $65,997 | $82,255* | — | $38,832* | 0.47 | |
| $13,546 | $56,465* | $56,152 | $38,233* | 0.68 | |
| $44,394 | $53,587* | $54,317 | $24,314* | 0.45 | |
| $36,258 | $51,763* | — | $34,419* | 0.66 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
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 Roosevelt University, approximately 46% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.