Human Resources Management and Services at University of St Francis

Four years out, this program's graduates earn $59,823—a solid figure that outpaces both the national median ($50,361) and puts them ahead of most HR programs in Illinois. The challenge is the early years. First-year earnings, based on comparable Illinois HR programs, start around $51,763, which paired with an estimated $29,436 in debt creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. That's manageable but not spectacular for a field where starting salaries can lag behind the mid-career trajectory.

The four-year jump to nearly $60,000 suggests this program produces graduates who climb steadily, which matters in HR where experience and certifications drive advancement. However, peer programs show the range in Illinois is enormous—Benedictine and Northwestern graduates earn over $80,000, while others cluster around $50,000. Without actual outcome data for St. Francis specifically, it's unclear whether their graduates track closer to the middle or top of that distribution. The school's 37% Pell population and 64% admission rate suggest they serve a broad student base, which can influence post-graduation outcomes.

For parents, the takeaway is straightforward: the four-year earnings figure is encouraging and suggests decent upward mobility, but early-career earnings will likely require careful budgeting against that $29,000 debt load. If your student is drawn to HR and plans to stay in the field, the trajectory looks reasonable—just recognize you're working with estimated figures based on similar programs rather than this school's proven track record.