Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Wheaton College

Wheaton's health sciences program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that could either signal opportunity or raise questions about the first year out. Starting at just $32,375—below both Illinois and national medians—graduates see their earnings nearly double to $63,432 by year four, a 96% jump that far exceeds typical patterns in this field. That explosive growth might reflect graduates advancing in healthcare roles, completing additional certifications, or transitioning from entry-level positions faster than peers elsewhere.

The $20,356 debt load is notably lower than both the Illinois median ($26,834) and national benchmark ($26,690), which softens the impact of those modest first-year earnings. Among Illinois programs, this sits around the 40th percentile for earnings—middle of the pack compared to peers like North Park ($40,374) and DePaul ($34,897). The question for parents is whether their child can weather that first year financially while positioning for the stronger earnings that follow.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could heavily skew these numbers. That said, if your child is considering healthcare administration, public health, or clinical support roles where advancement is common, this program's combination of manageable debt and strong growth potential merits serious consideration—just plan for those leaner early months.