Illinois State University Programs & Rankings

Business programs at Illinois State University demonstrate strong earnings potential, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading at $72,770 median earnings and ranking #52 nationally. Digital Marketing achieves #44 national ranking with $63,704 earnings and strong value scores, while Actuarial Science produces $62,470 despite lower value metrics.

Business Administration graduates earn $64,538 with moderate rankings. This group shows consistent performance above university medians, making it well-suited for students prioritizing immediate post-graduation earning potential and career placement in corporate environments.

Adult Health Nurse/Nursing represents Illinois State's health offerings, producing graduates earning $72,761 with 183 graduates annually. The program ranks #173 nationally but achieves solid state positioning at #7 in Illinois.

Despite strong earnings outcomes that place nursing among the university's highest-paying programs, the moderate value score of 37.2 reflects higher debt relative to outcomes. This path suits students committed to healthcare careers who prioritize service-oriented work alongside competitive earnings in the growing healthcare sector.

Biology, General serves 117 graduates annually with $48,863 median earnings and #193 national ranking. The program shows moderate value scores of 47.8 and ranks #11 in Illinois, reflecting competitive positioning within the state.

Earnings align with typical life science outcomes that often prepare students for graduate study or healthcare professional programs. This path works best for students planning advanced degrees in medicine, research, or related fields who view undergraduate study as preparation for higher-earning graduate careers.

Psychology, General represents the social sciences with 149 graduates earning $49,195 and ranking #70 nationally. American Government and Politics produces higher earnings at $51,900 though with lower enrollment.

Both programs demonstrate solid value scores around 80, indicating reasonable return on investment despite moderate earnings typical of social science fields. These programs suit students interested in research, policy work, or graduate school preparation who prioritize intellectual engagement and diverse career pathways over immediate high earnings.

Communication and Media Studies achieves solid performance with $49,576 earnings and #77 national ranking, accompanied by good value scores of 70.2. The program graduates 172 students annually and ranks #4 in Illinois, showing regional competitiveness.

Earnings fall near university medians while maintaining manageable debt levels, creating reasonable return on investment. This field works well for students interested in media, marketing, or corporate communications who value creative work environments alongside moderate earning potential and diverse career flexibility.

General Studies represents the broader liberal arts approach with 144 graduates earning $38,684, the lowest among tracked programs at Illinois State. The program ranks #147 nationally with value scores of 19.3, reflecting the challenges of translating general education into immediate career outcomes.

While earnings lag other fields significantly, this path may serve students seeking broad intellectual preparation, career exploration, or planning to pursue graduate studies where undergraduate major matters less than academic foundation and critical thinking development.

Education programs excel in national rankings despite moderate earnings, with Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed ranking #7 nationally and achieving exceptional value scores of 91.7. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #61 nationally but serves as a flagship program with 428 graduates.

Agricultural Teacher Education maintains strong performance at #33 nationally. These programs typically produce earnings in the $44,000-$49,000 range, reflecting public service career paths.

Best suited for students prioritizing social impact and job security over maximum earning potential.

Agriculture, General stands out as Illinois State's #1 nationally ranked program, demonstrating exceptional value with a perfect 100.0 score despite moderate $54,069 earnings. This flagship program graduates 199 students annually and maintains #1 state ranking, reflecting Illinois State's agricultural heritage and expertise.

The program's outstanding national recognition combined with solid career outcomes makes it ideal for students interested in agricultural innovation, sustainability, or food systems who value program prestige alongside practical career preparation.

Corrections Administration achieves strong performance with #21 national ranking and $54,043 median earnings, accompanied by high value scores of 89.5. The program graduates 160 students annually with manageable debt levels, creating favorable return on investment.

Rankings position it at #5 in Illinois, indicating regional strength in preparing criminal justice professionals. This program suits students seeking careers in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety who appreciate job stability and clear career pathways in government service.