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 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $108,498 Median Business Earnings | $1,764 | 7.7% | 95.1% |
| #2 | Champaign, IL | $108,113 Median Business Earnings | $2,038 | 42.4% | 85.1% | |
| #3 | Illinois Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Bloomington, IL | $90,710 Median Business Earnings | $17,732 | 39.3% | 74.7% |
| #4 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $89,214 Median Business Earnings | $28,992 | 81.6% | 73.0% |
| #5 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $84,984 Median Business Earnings | $27,359 | 75.9% | 67.8% |
| #6 | Augustana CollegePrivate | Rock Island, IL | $83,882 Median Business Earnings | $15,787 | 62.7% | 72.9% |
| #7 | Lake Forest CollegePrivate | Lake Forest, IL | $83,289 Median Business Earnings | $19,605 | 56.8% | 77.8% |
| #8 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | Wheaton, IL | $80,258 Median Business Earnings | $20,001 | 87.4% | 84.8% |
| #9 | Normal, IL | $79,319 Median Business Earnings | $11,568 | 88.1% | 64.5% | |
| #10 | Chicago, IL | $76,859 Median Business Earnings | $7,529 | 77.3% | 61.6% | |
| #11 | Dekalb, IL | $76,460 Median Business Earnings | $10,126 | 69.8% | 48.7% | |
| #12 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | Elmhurst, IL | $76,306 Median Business Earnings | $17,892 | 73.6% | 70.0% |
| #13 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | Lisle, IL | $75,620 Median Business Earnings | $20,168 | 95.2% | 50.3% |
| #14 | North Central CollegePrivate | Naperville, IL | $74,400 Median Business Earnings | $12,507 | 77.3% | 64.0% |
| #15 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $72,310 Median Business Earnings | $17,269 | 76.8% | 76.2% |
| #16 | Lewis UniversityPrivate | Romeoville, IL | $72,140 Median Business Earnings | $10,382 | 71.3% | 66.6% |
| #17 | Macomb, IL | $71,276 Median Business Earnings | $6,941 | 71.2% | 45.2% | |
| #18 | University Of St FrancisPrivate | Joliet, IL | $71,216 Median Business Earnings | $8,547 | 65.3% | 66.8% |
| #19 | Millikin UniversityPrivate | Decatur, IL | $69,111 Median Business Earnings | $18,659 | 66.7% | 54.9% |
| #20 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $67,311 Median Business Earnings | $7,572 | 84.3% | 56.6% |
