Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Roosevelt University Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Roosevelt University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,712 — 9% below average — while paying $20,194/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 38% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 97% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Roosevelt University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Roosevelt University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #40 of 52 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #5 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #6 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #40 | Roosevelt University | 23 | $20,194 | $48,712 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Roosevelt University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in IL.
Best Programs at Roosevelt University
The highest-earning program at Roosevelt University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $49,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $13,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Roosevelt University earns $49,800, while a Music graduate earns $13,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $26,562 in median debt vs. $20,500 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,194/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $49,800 | $49,800 | $26,562 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,500 | $47,500 | $23,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $46,500 | $46,500 | $25,000 |
| Computer Science | $44,000 | $44,000 | $23,000 |
| Marketing | $42,100 | $42,100 | $23,728 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $41,300 | $41,300 | $24,750 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $40,800 | $40,800 | $21,875 |
| Legal Support Services | $39,300 | $39,300 | N/A |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $36,600 | $36,600 | $17,996 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,600 | $33,600 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $32,500 | $32,500 | $22,875 |
| Business/Corporate Communications | $31,800 | $31,800 | $21,479 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $30,100 | $30,100 | $25,000 |
| Biology, General | $28,500 | $28,500 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $24,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $19,200 | $19,200 | $27,000 |
| Music | $13,000 | $13,000 | $20,500 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 2,849 students
- Admission Rate
- 97%
- Graduation Rate
- 38%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,194
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,712
- Median Student Debt
- $22,000