Analysis
A $23,900 debt load for earnings around $35,300 places this program squarely in line with what hospitality management bachelor's degrees typically deliver—both nationally and across Illinois. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates would carry about 68 cents of debt for every dollar earned in the first year, which falls within a manageable range for repayment, especially given that hospitality careers often see meaningful wage growth as managers gain experience.
What matters most here is the context: St. Augustine serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (73%), and these estimated figures suggest the program delivers outcomes consistent with stronger-resourced institutions in Chicago. DePaul graduates earn around $34,700, and Roosevelt's alumni make roughly $35,900—the estimated trajectory here fits right in that cluster. For families weighing cost against opportunity, the debt burden appears reasonable relative to early earning potential.
The uncertainty cuts both ways. These estimates might understate or overstate actual outcomes, but they're derived from programs facing similar labor markets in Illinois. If your child is serious about hospitality management and values the support systems a smaller, mission-focused college provides, the financial picture doesn't raise immediate red flags. Just recognize you're betting on estimates, not proven results from this specific program.
Where St. Augustine College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all hospitality administration/management bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Hospitality Administration/Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,288 | $35,297* | — | $23,916* | — | |
| $12,345 | $42,196* | $41,721 | $28,491* | 0.68 | |
| $20,280 | $35,871* | $44,879 | $23,916* | 0.67 | |
| $44,460 | $34,722* | $50,615 | $16,375* | 0.47 | |
| $12,700 | $32,337* | — | $25,001* | 0.77 | |
| National Median | — | $34,675* | — | $23,920* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with hospitality administration/management graduates
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Lodging Managers
Food Service Managers
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Gambling Managers
First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
Personal Service Managers, All Other
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Spa Managers
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 St. Augustine College, approximately 73% 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 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.