Business programs in Illinois produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $26,353 to $87,555, demonstrating significant variation in program outcomes. Across 43 programs, this $61,202 earnings spread reflects how undergraduate business degree selection directly impacts management careers and long-term earning potential.
Leading the list is University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, achieving the highest program earnings of $87,555. Illinois Wesleyan University follows closely at $85,000, while Loyola University Chicago rounds out the top three with $74,383 in median earnings, showcasing how top-performing programs deliver exceptional graduate outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Champaign, IL | $87,555 Median Business Earnings | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $76,995 Median Business Earnings | $1,243 | 7.1% | 95.9% |
| #3 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Bloomington, IL | $76,971 Median Business Earnings | $21,011 | 45.2% | 82.5% |
| #4 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $74,013 Median Business Earnings | $28,666 | 81.4% | 76.9% |
| #5 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $73,581 Median Business Earnings | $23,758 | 73.5% | 70.0% |
| #6 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | Elmhurst, IL | $69,656 Median Business Earnings | $14,641 | 75.7% | 65.2% |
| #7 | Normal, IL | $68,617 Median Business Earnings | $11,075 | 89.0% | 66.3% | |
| #8 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | Wheaton, IL | $67,358 Median Business Earnings | $17,966 | 90.0% | 86.6% |
| #9 | Lake Forest CollegePrivate | Lake Forest, IL | $67,130 Median Business Earnings | $19,067 | 59.4% | 70.4% |
| #10 | Augustana CollegePrivate | Rock Island, IL | $66,235 Median Business Earnings | $15,549 | 67.7% | 79.2% |
| #11 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | Lisle, IL | $66,052 Median Business Earnings | $19,282 | 77.2% | 50.9% |
| #12 | Dekalb, IL | $65,197 Median Business Earnings | $9,047 | 70.5% | 49.6% | |
| #13 | Judson UniversityPrivate | Elgin, IL | $64,319 Median Business Earnings | $24,510 | 63.1% | 53.3% |
| #14 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $62,536 Median Business Earnings | $9,181 | 85.8% | 59.0% |
| #15 | North Central CollegePrivate | Naperville, IL | $61,929 Median Business Earnings | $13,752 | 58.3% | 71.1% |
| #16 | Chicago, IL | $61,870 Median Business Earnings | $9,257 | 78.5% | 60.3% | |
| #17 | Dominican UniversityPrivate | River Forest, IL | $60,606 Median Business Earnings | $10,934 | 79.8% | 62.4% |
| #18 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $60,161 Median Business Earnings | $17,762 | 76.7% | 72.1% |
| #19 | University Of St FrancisPrivate | Joliet, IL | $59,871 Median Business Earnings | $9,707 | 63.9% | 64.6% |
| #20 | Charleston, IL | $59,071 Median Business Earnings | $11,412 | 67.8% | 45.2% |
