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 gives you a solid financial return without much risk. At a net price near $19,000 a year, you graduate with median debt around $20,000 and earn roughly $62,000 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is healthy, and the 66% grad rate paired with an 81% retention rate means most of you actually finish and start earning.
The strongest bachelor's payoffs cluster in applied fields. Construction Management leads at about $67,000, and it comes with lower-than-average debt, so your ratio there is one of the best on campus. Nursing and Computer Science both land near $65,000, though Computer Science carries the heaviest debt of the top programs at over $22,000. Management Information Systems pairs strong pay with the lowest debt of the group, making it the safest bet financially. Industrial Production Technologies pays less, near $56,000, but its low debt keeps it worthwhile. All five feed central Illinois employers in healthcare, building, and manufacturing.
The net price tiers matter a lot depending on your family income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $11,000 to $12,000 a year, which makes the return strong. Cross into the $75,000 to $110,000 range and your price jumps to nearly $24,000, and over $110,000 it hits almost $27,000. At those upper tiers you're paying close to full sticker, so the math tightens.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing, construction, computing, or IT and your family income sits in the lower or middle brackets. If your family earns six figures and you're chasing a lower-paying major, the higher net price means you should compare the numbers carefully before committing.
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.