Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's business program produces graduates earning $68,442 in their first year—50% more than the national median and 46% above the Illinois median. Among the 52 Illinois schools offering business degrees, UIUC ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming well-known competitors like Loyola and UIC. With median debt of just $19,175 (roughly $25,000 below typical levels), graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning they owe about three months' salary.
The trajectory strengthens over time, with earnings climbing 19% to $81,669 by year four. This isn't just about prestige—the combination of UIUC's selective admissions (44% acceptance rate, 1418 average SAT) and strong industry connections translates into tangible financial outcomes. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results.
For Illinois families, this represents exceptional in-state value. Your child would graduate with significantly less debt than peers at other schools while earning substantially more right out of the gate. At these numbers, the return on investment is clear and rapid.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all business administration, management and operations bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (52 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $68,442 | $81,669 | $19,175 | 0.28 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $65,781 | — | $20,832 | 0.32 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $64,513 | $56,763 | $25,000 | 0.39 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $59,693 | $56,566 | $37,315 | 0.63 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $55,633 | $58,561 | $27,500 | 0.49 |
| DeVry University-Illinois | $55,102 | $55,550 | $46,797 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $65,781 | $20,832 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $64,513 | $25,000 |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford | $13,546 | $59,693 | $37,315 |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale | $13,244 | $55,633 | $27,500 |
| DeVry University-Illinois Lisle | $17,488 | $55,102 | $46,797 |
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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 119 graduates with reported earnings and 109 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.