Business/Managerial Economics at Wheaton College

Wheaton College graduates with this degree earn slightly above both national and state medians, landing in the 60th percentile among Illinois programs—a solid if unspectacular position. With first-year earnings of $55,300 climbing to $67,358 by year four, graduates show healthy income progression, though they still trail Loyola's stronger outcomes by about $6,000 initially.

The financial structure here is straightforward and favorable. At $24,000 in median debt—just above typical levels but translating to a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—graduates face reasonable loan burdens. That 22% earnings growth over four years suggests decent career momentum, moving graduates from middle-class to solidly middle-class incomes relatively quickly.

The value equation depends on what you're paying. While Wheaton's 90% admission rate might suggest accessibility, if you're paying premium tuition for outcomes that place in the middle of the Illinois pack, scrutinize the net price carefully. This program works best for families getting meaningful financial aid or who value Wheaton's distinctive campus culture beyond pure earnings. Full-pay families should compare total cost against DePaul or other options where similar outcomes might come cheaper.