Location: Macomb, IL•In-State Tuition: $14,952•Admission Rate: 75%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,715
Est. from IL median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,425
Est. from IL median (6 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs across Illinois, Western Illinois University's Management Sciences degree appears to produce graduates earning around $49,000 in their first year—roughly $13,000 below the national median for this credential. With an estimated $22,425 in student debt, the financial picture sits right at typical levels for similar programs, though this masks a troubling gap: peer programs in Illinois that do report data show a dramatic range, from DePaul's $52,000 to North Central's $85,000.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 looks manageable on paper, but context matters. Illinois programs in this field vary wildly in their outcomes, and without actual data from Western Illinois specifically, it's difficult to know where this program truly lands in that spectrum. The state median figure used here comes from only 13 programs—a small sample that may or may not reflect what Western Illinois graduates actually experience. National benchmarks suggest this field typically delivers stronger returns than what Illinois programs show, raising questions about regional employer demand or curriculum differences.

For families considering this program, the $22,000 debt load is reasonable if the earnings estimate holds. However, given the opacity of the data and the wide variation among reported Illinois programs, you're essentially betting that Western Illinois performs closer to the state average than to either extreme. If your student has options at schools with transparent outcomes—particularly those showing earnings above $60,000—those merit serious consideration.

Where Western Illinois University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all management sciences and quantitative methods bachelors's programs nationally

Western Illinois University (estimated ±10%)Other management sciences and quantitative methods programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Western Illinois UniversityMacomb$14,952$48,715*—$22,425*—
North Central CollegeNaperville$44,394$85,168*—$26,851*0.32
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$72,527*$86,860$21,000*0.29
National Louis UniversityChicago$12,345$59,084*$68,572$26,094*0.44
Benedictine UniversityLisle$34,290$58,820*—$25,000*0.43
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$51,522*$62,488$24,500*0.48
National Median—$62,069*—$23,250*0.37
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with management sciences and quantitative methods graduates

Actuaries

Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

$125,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Operations Research Analysts

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

$91,290/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Western Illinois University, approximately 28% 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 13 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.