Finance Degree in Joliet, IL — Salary & ROI 2026
Finance degree analysis for Joliet, IL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$76K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$119K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
2.3 yrs
in Joliet
Cost of Living
108
index (100 = avg)
Finance in Joliet, IL Overview
Joliet, Illinois (pop. 150,362) has 12 colleges offering Finance programs. The local cost of living index of 108 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $880/month. Finance enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Financial Modeling and Valuation. The adjusted starting salary in Joliet is approximately $75,600, growing to $118,800 by mid-career.
Category
Business
Local Colleges
12
Public Tuition
$8,958/yr
Private Tuition
$36,980/yr
Room & Board
$13,014/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$7,482/yr
Unemployment
4.2%
Graduation Rate
70%
Finance Salary in Joliet (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Joliet's cost of living index of 108 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Finance salary: $70,000 starting, $110,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Joliet adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.
Finance ROI Calculator for Joliet
Estimate your return on investment for a Finance degree using local Joliet tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,958 | Private avg: $36,980
Joliet avg aid: $7,482/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$87,888
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$37,800
vs HS diploma in Joliet
ROI Payback Period
2.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Joliet
$938,112
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,026,000) minus total education cost ($87,888)
Student Loan Payoff for Finance in Joliet
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Joliet for Finance
University of St. Francis
private
$36,980/yr
$147,920 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Joliet Junior College
$4,980/yr
Top Employers for Finance in Joliet
Joliet offers opportunities in Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies for Finance graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Joliet Hiring Sectors for Business
Financial services
Consulting firms
Fortune 500 companies
Startups
Marketing agencies
Common Finance Job Titles
Finance in Nearby Illinois Cities
Chicago, IL
$76K starting · COL 109
98 colleges
Aurora, IL
$65K starting · COL 92.8
7 colleges
Naperville, IL
$71K starting · COL 102
13 colleges
Rockford, IL
$63K starting · COL 90
8 colleges
Elgin, IL
$55K starting · COL 79
13 colleges
Springfield, IL
$64K starting · COL 92
9 colleges
Peoria, IL
$73K starting · COL 104
5 colleges
Waukegan, IL
$63K starting · COL 90.3
4 colleges
Other Business Majors in Joliet
Business Analytics
$84K starting · 2 yr ROI
Economics
$70K starting · 4 yr ROI
Information Systems
$54K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Supply Chain Management
$54K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Operations Management
$54K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Accounting
$67K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Real Estate
$54K starting · 4 yr ROI
Business Administration
$63K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Finance degree outcomes in Joliet, IL: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Finance programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Illinois.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Joliet using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Finance graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Finance career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Finance grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Joliet Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Illinois programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "illinois higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Finance Degree in Joliet — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Finance ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Joliet.