University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois · Public · 77.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 85/100 · Strong Value
University of Illinois Chicago
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,338/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,884/yr |
| Average net price | $10,974/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $43,896 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,740 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $16,704 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $177 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 61.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 22,170 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,529 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,119 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,921 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,185 |
| $110,001+ | $25,047 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Illinois Chicago with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | $59,119 | C |
| Psychology | $52,736 | C |
| Computer Science | $120,470 | A |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,218 | B+ |
| Registered Nursing | $87,037 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $59,295 | C+ |
| Marketing | $71,293 | B |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $50,429 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,384 | B+ |
| Accounting | $86,088 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Illinois Chicago is $14,338/year ($29,884/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $10,974/year, or roughly $43,896 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,529/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,047/year.
The median graduate leaves with $16,704 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $177 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $68,740 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.39 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 72.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 76.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 77.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 560-680 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 25-31 |
| Enrollment | 22,170 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 48.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $14,621 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago (this school) | 85 | $10,974 | $68,740 |
| University of California-Riverside | 83 | $14,304 | $67,699 |
| University at Buffalo | 83 | $20,995 | $70,814 |
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | 83 | $15,300 | $63,126 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Chicago State University | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Illinois Chicago delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $10,974 per year ($43,896 over four years), graduates earn a median of $68,740 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5.5 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $16,704 is very manageable against $68,740 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.