University of Illinois Chicago vs University at Buffalo
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
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Illinois Chicago and University at Buffalo come out about even on financial return. University of Illinois Chicago scores 85/100 and University at Buffalo scores 83/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Illinois Chicago runs $10,974 a year against $20,995 at University at Buffalo - $10,021 more a year, or about $40,084 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University at Buffalo graduates earn a median $70,814 against $68,740 at University of Illinois Chicago. The cost earns itself back in 5.5 years at University of Illinois Chicago and 6.3 years at University at Buffalo.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Illinois Chicago owing a median $16,704 versus $19,000 at University at Buffalo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.39 and 0.41 - 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... | University at Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $14,338 | $10,936 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,884 | $31,536 |
| Net Price (avg) | $10,974 | $20,995 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $43,896 | $83,980 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,100 | $46,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,740 | $70,814 |
| Graduation Rate | 61.6% | 75.2% |
| Payback Period | 5.5 yr | 6.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $16,704 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $177 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.39 | 0.41 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.4% | 75.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 72.7% | 74.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 77.3% | 74.2% |
| Enrollment | 22,170 | 20,112 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1350 | 1210-1380 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Illino... | University at Buffal... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,529 | $14,668 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,119 | $16,585 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,921 | $21,262 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,185 | $24,117 |
| $110,001+ | $25,047 | $28,079 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Illino... | University at Buffal... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $120,470 | $105,160 |
| Computer Engineering | $102,691 | $109,221 |
| Chemical Engineering | $87,407 | $95,424 |
| Electrical Engineering | $92,002 | $95,209 |
| Registered Nursing | $87,037 | $93,507 |
| Accounting | $86,088 | $92,314 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $87,393 | $84,920 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,384 | $84,602 |
| Industrial Engineering | $86,202 | $86,118 |
| Civil Engineering | $83,680 | $84,868 |
| Economics | $63,429 | $70,720 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $68,109 | $69,903 |
| Chemistry | $64,442 | $68,413 |
| Mathematics | $67,016 | $60,882 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,845 | $62,912 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Illino... | University at Buffal... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 84 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 92 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 88 | 86 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 63 | 85 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 59 | 55 |
| Overall ROI Score | 85 | 83 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Illinois Chicago edges out University at Buffalo by 2 points (85 vs 83), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Illinois Chicago
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University at Buffalo
Strong 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.