University of Illinois Chicago vs Chicago State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Illinois Chicago comes out ahead: 85/100 to 16/100, a 69-point edge over Chicago State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Illinois Chicago runs $10,974 a year against $12,335 at Chicago State University - $1,361 more a year, or about $5,444 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Illinois Chicago graduates earn a median $68,740 against $42,778 at Chicago State University. The cost earns itself back in 5.5 years at University of Illinois Chicago and 24.3 years at Chicago State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Illinois Chicago owing a median $16,704 versus $30,625 at Chicago State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.95 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Illinois Ch... | Chicago State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,338 | $12,754 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,884 | $12,754 |
| Net Price (avg) | $10,974 | $12,335 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $43,896 | $49,340 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,100 | $32,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,740 | $42,778 |
| Graduation Rate | 61.6% | 15.5% |
| Payback Period | 5.5 yr | 24.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $16,704 | $30,625 |
| Monthly Payment | $177 | $325 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.95 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.4% | 34.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.7% | 32.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 77.3% | 43.3% |
| Enrollment | 22,170 | 1,384 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Illino... | Chicago State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,529 | $9,073 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,119 | $9,550 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,921 | $11,334 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,185 | $13,899 |
| $110,001+ | $25,047 | $28,427 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Illino... | Chicago State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $87,037 | $92,024 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,109 | $53,181 |
| Teacher Education | $64,100 | $59,296 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $59,295 | $57,691 |
| Biology | $59,119 | $46,898 |
| Sociology | $53,962 | $51,485 |
| Psychology | $52,736 | $47,168 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Illino... | Chicago State Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 30 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 21 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 6 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 63 | 3 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 59 | 2 |
| Overall ROI Score | 85 | 16 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: University of Illinois Chicago clearly outperforms Chicago State University (85 vs 16), a 69-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Chicago State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to University of Illinois Chicago.
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University of Illinois Chicago
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Chicago State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.