At $18,996/yr net price, Illinois State University graduates earn $62,117/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,117/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,996 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,984 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,117/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,117/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,482 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,075/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,994/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,424/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,818/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,853/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,930 | $29,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,884 | $23,515 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $67,101 | $19,757 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,194 | $19,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $22,043 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,791 | $16,818 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $17,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,770 | $18,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $55,693 | $16,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,996 | $20,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.3% of students at Illinois State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Illinois State University delivers solid financial returns for most students, with a reasonable net price and strong earnings outcomes in key programs. Your median debt of around $20,000 positions you well compared to national averages, though only 30% of students receive financial aid.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning nearly $96,000 annually despite slightly higher debt loads. Business administration and construction management also provide strong returns, with business majors earning $73,000 and construction management graduates reaching $67,000. Computer science offers decent prospects at $65,000, though the debt-to-earnings ratio could be stronger.
The 66% graduation rate creates risk if you're not academically prepared or lack clear career direction. Students who struggle to complete degrees face the worst financial outcome: debt without the credential to justify it. The 81% retention rate suggests most students who start here stay engaged, but that still leaves nearly one in five transferring or dropping out after freshman year.
Illinois State works best financially if you're pursuing nursing, business, or construction management and can complete your degree in four years. The relatively low net price makes it accessible for middle-income families who might not qualify for need-based aid elsewhere. Students considering liberal arts or undecided majors face greater financial uncertainty given the graduation rate concerns.
Look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, as the low percentage receiving assistance suggests limited institutional support. The school also may not justify the cost if you're considering lower-earning majors without clear career paths in the Illinois job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois State University worth the cost?
Illinois State University offers decent value with a net price of $19,000 and 10-year earnings of $62,117. The nursing and business programs provide strong returns, but the 66% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Illinois State University?
Nursing leads at $95,930 in 10-year earnings, followed by business administration at $72,884 and construction management at $67,101. Computer science graduates earn $64,990, which is lower than the national average for tech fields.
How much debt do Illinois State University graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $20,482, which is manageable compared to the national average. Most programs generate enough income to handle this debt load comfortably.
Does Illinois State University have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major at Illinois State University. Nursing and construction management graduates find strong job markets, while other programs may offer more limited opportunities given the school's regional focus.