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$45,060 Average Earnings
$21,268 Avg Student Debt

Today's business students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this <nil> ranking.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Business Schools in Illinois

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$62,519 Average Earnings
$15,217 Avg Student Debt

Our rankings named University of Chicago the best school in Illinois for business students working on their degree.

Degree recipients from UChicago accumulate an average of $15,217 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $708 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UChicago graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $62,519 during the early year of their career.

Full University of Chicago Report

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
$69,538 Average Earnings
$19,000 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Northwestern University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in Illinois.

On average, students take out $19,000 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $576. Once they receive their degree, Northwestern graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $69,538 during the early year of their career.

Full Northwestern University Report

$53,270 Average Earnings
$18,891 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a great place for business students.

On average, students take out $18,891 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $415, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UIUC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,270 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Report

#4

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bloomington, Illinois
$43,102 Average Earnings
$23,212 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Illinois Wesleyan University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in Illinois.

Degree recipients from Illinois Wesleyan accumulate an average of $23,212 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $401. During the early years of their career, Illinois Wesleyan graduates make an average of $43,102 annually.

Full Illinois Wesleyan University Report

#5

Rasmussen University - Illinois

Rockford, Illinois
$41,940 Average Earnings
$30,604 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Rasmussen University - Illinois helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best business schools in Illinois.

On average, students take out $30,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $127. During the early years of their career, Rasmussen University - Illinois graduates make an average of $41,940 annually.

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#6

Augustana College

Rock Island, Illinois
$35,627 Average Earnings
$25,410 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Augustana College did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,410 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $321, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Augustana graduates make an average of $35,627 annually.

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#7

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$47,459 Average Earnings
$22,930 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Loyola University Chicago did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

On average, students take out $22,930 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $652, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Loyola Chicago, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,459 during the early years of their career.

Full Loyola University Chicago Report

#8

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
$52,822 Average Earnings
$25,068 Avg Student Debt

Bradley University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #8 on the list.

On average, students take out $25,068 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $575, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Bradley, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,822 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Bradley University

#9

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
$44,092 Average Earnings
$21,109 Avg Student Debt

Illinois State University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

Degree recipients from Illinois State accumulate an average of $21,109 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $312, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Illinois State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,092 during the early years of their career.

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#10

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, Illinois
$68,021 Average Earnings
$24,232 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Illinois Institute of Technology did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

Degree recipients from Illinois Tech accumulate an average of $24,232 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Illinois Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $68,021 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#11

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
$49,846 Average Earnings
$24,047 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, DePaul University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,047 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $517 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DePaul, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,846 during the early years of their career.

Full DePaul University Report

#12

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, Illinois
$47,474 Average Earnings
$21,567 Avg Student Debt

Elmhurst University landed the #12 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

Degree recipients from Elmhurst accumulate an average of $21,567 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $321 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Elmhurst graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,474 during the early year of their career.

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#13

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
$48,041 Average Earnings
$25,759 Avg Student Debt

Northern Illinois University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #13 on the list.

On average, students take out $25,759 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $216 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, NIU graduates make an average of $48,041 annually.

Read full report on Northern Illinois University

#14

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois
$48,984 Average Earnings
$23,413 Avg Student Debt

Lewis University landed the #14 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

On average, students take out $23,413 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $411 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Lewis, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,984 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Lewis University

#15

Judson University

Elgin, Illinois
$42,419 Average Earnings
$24,525 Avg Student Debt

Judson University ranked #15 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $24,525 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Judson graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $42,419 during the early year of their career.

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#16

North Central College

Naperville, Illinois
$40,224 Average Earnings
$23,457 Avg Student Debt

North Central College ranked #16 on this year’s list.

On average, students take out $23,457 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $330, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from North Central, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,224 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on North Central College

#17

Lincoln College

Lincoln, Illinois
$48,437 Average Earnings
$23,112 Avg Student Debt

Lincoln College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $23,112 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $102, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Lincoln College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,437 during the early year of their career.

Full Lincoln College Report

#18

Trinity Christian College

Palos Heights, Illinois
$43,856 Average Earnings
$29,340 Avg Student Debt

Trinity Christian College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $29,340 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Trinity Christian, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,856 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Trinity Christian College

#19

McKendree University

Lebanon, Illinois
$47,532 Average Earnings
$24,607 Avg Student Debt

McKendree University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #19 on the list.

Degree recipients from McKendree accumulate an average of $24,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $207. Once they receive their degree, McKendree graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,532 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#20

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
$47,673 Average Earnings
$25,543 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #20, Aurora University did quite well on this year’s best schools for business students working.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,543 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $198. Once they receive their degree, Aurora graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,673 during the early year of their career.

Full Aurora University Report

#21

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois
$38,708 Average Earnings
$28,617 Avg Student Debt

Western Illinois University landed the #21 spot in the rankings for the best business programs.

On average, students take out $28,617 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $266. During the early years of their career, WIU graduates make an average of $38,708 annually.

Full Western Illinois University Report

#22

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
$60,805 Average Earnings
$28,383 Avg Student Debt

University of St Francis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #22 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,383 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $332. During the early years of their career, University of Saint Francis graduates make an average of $60,805 annually.

Full University of St Francis Report

#23

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
$53,836 Average Earnings
$19,801 Avg Student Debt

University of Illinois at Chicago came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,801 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $259 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UIC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,836 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on University of Illinois at Chicago

#24

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois
$42,201 Average Earnings
$28,848 Avg Student Debt

Dominican University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for business students. It came in at #24 on the list.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,848 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $140 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Dominican U, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,201 during the early years of their career.

Full Dominican University Report

#25

DeVry University - Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
$48,020 Average Earnings
$40,148 Avg Student Debt

DeVry University - Illinois came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the ranking.

On average, students take out $40,148 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $163, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from DeVry University - Illinois, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,020 during the early years of their career.

Full DeVry University - Illinois Report

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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