Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of St Francis

Business programs across Illinois show a wide range of outcomes, from nearly $70,000 at UIUC to figures well below the state median. For University of St Francis, comparable programs suggest first-year earnings around $46,400—right at the state median—with an estimated debt load of $26,000. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.56, which falls within the manageable range where graduates can typically handle their payments while building their careers.

What's less certain is whether St Francis specifically outperforms or underperforms this middle-of-the-pack picture. The state's top business programs show what's possible with stronger industry connections or brand recognition: UIUC and UIC graduates start around $20,000 higher. But St Francis serves a different student population (37% receive Pell grants, compared to more selective flagships), and for many families, accessibility matters as much as maximizing earnings potential.

The practical question is whether a business degree from St Francis positions graduates to earn enough to justify the investment. Based on peer programs in Illinois, the answer appears to be yes—but barely. The debt burden is standard for the field, and the estimated earnings align with national and state medians. Still, with the school's actual outcomes unavailable, families should investigate job placement support, alumni networks in the Chicago metro area, and whether specific concentrations within the business program lead to stronger outcomes than the general degree.