Business Administration, Management and Operations at St. Augustine College

The $20,302 median earnings figure four years after graduation—actual data, not an estimate—demands attention. This sharp drop from the estimated first-year earnings of $43,736 based on peer Illinois programs suggests something unusual is happening with St. Augustine's graduates over time. Whether it's part-time work patterns, career disruptions, or further schooling, this trajectory diverges dramatically from the typical progression where earnings should be climbing, not falling by more than half.

The estimated debt load of $24,219 appears manageable against the first-year estimate, with a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.55. But against that fourth-year reality of $20,302, the math becomes considerably tighter—you're looking at debt exceeding a full year's income. For context, peer Illinois programs at community colleges like Harper ($59,982) and College of DuPage ($46,497) show substantially stronger outcomes, while Roosevelt University produces similar first-year results but without the concerning earnings drop we see here.

Given that 73% of students receive Pell grants, many families at St. Augustine are making this investment with limited financial cushion. The fourth-year earnings figure is the red flag that sets this program apart—it's not just below expectations, it's below what many full-time minimum wage jobs would pay. Until you understand what's driving that number, it's difficult to view this as a sound investment, especially when stronger-performing alternatives exist throughout the Chicago area.