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Best Value Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $68,592 annually, marking the highest return among 20 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods programs statewide. This figure stands nearly $22,000 above the second-highest earner, Bradley University at $64,773. The earnings gap becomes more striking when compared to Eastern Illinois University graduates who start at $36,848. Illinois public universities dominate the value equation, with four of the top five most affordable options charging under $16,200 annually. Chicago's financial sector creates strong demand for quantitative analysts and operations research specialists, particularly benefiting graduates who can apply statistical modeling to business problems. The state's manufacturing base also relies heavily on supply chain optimization and quality management professionals. Private institutions like DePaul University charge $29,141 but produce graduates earning $45,137, while Northern Illinois University costs just $12,909 with graduates earning $46,869. This 20-school market reveals significant variation in both investment required and career outcomes, with net prices ranging from $12,313 to $29,141.
20
Programs
$11,592 – $29,141
Net Price Range
$48,932
Avg. Program Earnings
57.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,201 $68,592 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
2 $12,909 $46,869 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
3 $16,157 $56,234 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
4 $12,313 $42,123 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $16,284 $49,840 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
6 $23,572 $64,773 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
7 $14,093 $36,848 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
8 $18,996 $48,112 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
9 $16,177 $39,585 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
10 $20,152 $45,277 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
11 $24,190 $43,798 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
12 $29,141 $45,137 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
13 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
14 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
15 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
16 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
17 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
18 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
19 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
20 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost compared to other state schools?

UIUC graduates earn $68,592 annually, significantly outpacing other Illinois public universities in Management Sciences. The $15,201 net price represents solid value when graduates earn nearly $23,000 more than Eastern Illinois University alumni who paid similar tuition. The 84.90% graduation rate also ranks highest among state schools, indicating strong program completion and career preparation.

How do private university outcomes compare to public school alternatives in Illinois?

Private institutions charge substantially more but show mixed returns on investment. DePaul University costs $29,141 yet graduates earn $45,137, while Northern Illinois University charges $12,909 with similar $46,869 earnings. Bradley University provides the best private school value at $23,572 with $64,773 graduate earnings. National Louis University offers an outlier at $16,157 with strong $56,234 returns.

Is student debt a concern for Management Sciences graduates in Illinois?

Most programs keep debt manageable relative to earning potential. University of Illinois Chicago graduates carry just $15,251 in debt while earning $42,123 annually, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Even higher-debt programs like Southern Illinois University-Carbondale at $27,000 remain below the $30,000 threshold. The lowest-cost options like Northern Illinois University average $20,000 in debt.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Illinois Management Sciences programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates but with notable exceptions. UIUC leads at 84.90% graduation rate with moderate $15,201 costs, while Bradley University achieves 72.10% at higher $23,572 expense. However, Northern Illinois University maintains reasonable 49.60% completion despite low $12,909 costs. National Louis University shows just 36.90% completion despite charging $16,157.

Where do Management Sciences graduates find the best job opportunities in Illinois?

Chicago's financial district offers prime opportunities for quantitative analysts and risk management specialists. The city houses major trading firms, banks, and consulting companies requiring statistical modeling expertise. Manufacturing centers throughout Illinois also employ operations research analysts and supply chain managers. State government positions in Springfield provide additional career paths in budget analysis and policy research.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.