Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Illinois Chicago

UIC's business program punches well above its weight, delivering earnings that rival the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign flagship ($65,781 versus $68,442) while maintaining an accessible 79% admission rate and serving a student body where half receive Pell grants. At the 95th percentile nationally and 80th within Illinois, these graduates earn 44% more than the typical business grad in the state and $20,000 above the national median—impressive outcomes from a program that doesn't get the same spotlight as more selective competitors.

The financial picture strengthens the case. With just $20,832 in median debt (below both state and national averages) and strong first-year earnings, graduates face a manageable 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means the typical graduate could theoretically pay off their loans with about four months of pre-tax salary. For families concerned about both access and outcomes, UIC offers a particularly compelling combination: you don't need a stratospheric GPA or test scores to get in, yet graduates achieve earnings on par with much more selective programs.

The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the pattern is clear. This program delivers top-tier business outcomes without the premium price tag or competitive admissions gauntlet of peer institutions. For Illinois families especially, it represents exceptional value—strong earnings potential with manageable debt at a school designed to serve a diverse student population.