University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois · Public · 85.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
University of Illinois Springfield scores 71 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. The earnings premium sub-score of 92 is the strongest signal here: graduates earn 56.2% more than comparable workers without degrees, a meaningful premium for a school with in-state tuition of $12,252 and a net price of $9,833. The total 4-year cost of $39,332 is among the lowest in our dataset of schools. The completion rate of 53.2% is the primary weakness - half of students who enroll do not finish. The 8.1-year payback period and $38,500 median 6-year earnings are moderate. The repayment rate at year 7 is 70.8%, with year 1 at 63.5%, suggesting a substantial minority of borrowers struggle with repayment. Computer Science is the high-earner at 87 graduates, $72,657 year-one and $102,020 year-four. Business and accounting programs cluster in the $40,000-$64,000 range. Social sciences, humanities, and psychology programs post D-grade ROIs, largely because the debt-to-earnings ratios exceed 0.7. UIS is primarily a commuter institution serving central Illinois; the low cost structure makes it a viable option for students who can succeed in a less residential environment.
University of Illinois Springfield
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,252/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,017/yr |
| Average net price | $9,833/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $39,332 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,103 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,128 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $203 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 53.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,263 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $12,252/year ($22,017/year out-of-state). Here's the part that matters - almost nobody pays that. After grants, scholarships, and aid, the average student here pays a net price of $9,833/year, or roughly $39,332 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $5,778/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $16,544/year.
Most students borrow to get here. The median graduate leaves owing $19,128 in federal loans, which works out to about $203 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Hold that up against the $57,103 the typical graduate earns ten years out: the debt-to-earnings ratio comes to 0.50, comfortably manageable.
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 | $5,778 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,915 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,520 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,349 |
| $110,001+ | $16,544 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students in the 0-30000 bracket pay $5,778 per year - $23,112 over four years. At this cost, even the institution's weaker programs become financially tolerable. Computer Science at $23,112 total against $72,657 year-one earnings is an exceptional deal. Low-income students who complete a degree here, particularly in CS or a business field, will see strong ROI.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $9,520 per year. This remains a very low cost for a four-year degree - $38,080 total. The 53% completion rate is the risk factor regardless of income. Students who finish will find a serviceable credential at a cost structure that works across most program choices.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,001+ pay $16,544 per year - $66,176 over four years. Even at the high end of the income schedule, UIS remains among the most affordable options in Illinois. The earnings premium sub-score of 92 suggests graduates outperform high school completers significantly, making the investment defensible even at this bracket's cost.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Illinois Springfield with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,499 | C |
| Psychology | $47,802 | D |
| Computer Science | $102,020 | B |
| Communication and Media Studies | $52,588 | D |
| Teacher Education | $44,458 | - |
| International Relations | $58,236 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,780 | C+ |
| English Language and Literature | $48,196 | D |
| Accounting | $64,048 | C |
| Biology | $59,817 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Science
Computer Science is UIS's strongest program: 87 graduates, $72,657 median year-one earnings, $102,020 at year four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.417 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $30,301 is higher than the institution average, but the earnings trajectory to $102k by year four justifies the investment. At a $9,833 annual net price, this is among the better CS ROI profiles at a public institution.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration had 105 graduates at $44,236 year-one and $61,499 year-four. Debt-to-earnings 0.565 (ROI grade C). This is a modest but not poor result at UIS's cost structure. Students interested in business at the lowest possible cost in central Illinois will find this a serviceable option, particularly for those planning to stay in state government or regional businesses in Springfield.
International Relations
International Relations had 26 graduates with year-four earnings of $58,236 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.444 (ROI grade B). Year-one data is not reported. Springfield's role as the state capital creates a specific pipeline: UIS international relations graduates have documented access to state government, federal agencies, and policy organizations. The B-grade ROI is stronger than this field typically achieves at comparable institutions.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Justice had 24 graduates earning $41,064 at year one and $55,780 at year four. Debt-to-earnings of 0.546 (ROI grade C+). This program benefits from Springfield's state government and law enforcement agencies as nearby employers. The C+ grade reflects moderate debt relative to earnings that is serviceable but not strong. Students planning careers in state law enforcement or corrections will find direct geographic alignment.
Psychology
Psychology had 88 graduates earning $31,978 at year one and $47,802 at year four, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.735 (ROI grade D). Year-one earnings near $32,000 against median debt of $23,500 is a tight financial start. Most psychology bachelor's graduates will require graduate credentials for clinical work, adding substantial debt to an already marginal undergraduate return. The D grade is honest about the financial outcome for terminal bachelor's holders.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 63.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 67.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 66.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How University of Illinois Springfield’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 85.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 480-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-27 |
| Enrollment | 2,263 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 37.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,921 |
UIS admits 85.9% of applicants with an ACT mid-range of 21-27. This is an accessible institution where test scores are not the deciding factor. The completion rate of 53.2% suggests that the real challenge is financial and academic persistence, not selectivity. Students who are certain about their program and have a realistic financial plan for all four years are the best candidates for success here.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Chicago State University, Eastern Illinois University, Indiana University Kokomo, Truman State University, and University of Arkansas Grantham. Among regional Illinois institutions, UIS's computer science and international relations outcomes stand out. Eastern Illinois University is the most direct geographic and demographic peer; UIS has meaningfully better STEM program outcomes. Truman State (Missouri's designated liberal arts public university) has higher earnings outcomes but also higher costs. For students committed to staying in central Illinois, UIS's cost structure is the primary competitive advantage.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Springfield (this school) | 71 | $9,833 | $57,103 |
| Truman State University | 73 | $12,780 | $56,280 |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 69 | $8,370 | $63,496 |
| Indiana University-Kokomo | 68 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| Chicago State University | 16 | $12,335 | $42,778 |
Who Thrives Here
UIS enrolls 2,263 students in Springfield, Illinois, with an admission rate of 85.9%. SAT mid-range is 460-590 Math and 480-610 Reading; ACT composite 21-27. The Pell grant rate of 37.4% indicates a significant low-income population. The institution serves transfer students and working adults in addition to traditional undergraduates. Students targeting computer science, criminal justice, or public policy at minimal cost have genuine options here. The 53.2% completion rate is a caution flag that deserves direct inquiry with the admissions office about specific program completion rates.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Illinois Springfield is a fair-value bet, but how well it pays off depends a lot on you. At $9,833 a year after aid ($39,332 over four years), with the typical graduate earning $57,103 a decade out, the cost takes about 8.1 years to earn back. That's roughly average - not a bargain, not a mistake.
What it has going for it: a strong earnings premium over high school graduates. What to keep an eye on: concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,128 against $57,103 in earnings is reasonable, though your major matters a lot here. Graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
University of Illinois Springfield: Common Questions
Is University of Illinois Springfield worth it?
In our view, it's a fair-value bet - whether University of Illinois Springfield is worth it depends a lot on your major and aid package. It scores 71/100 on our ROI scale. At $9,833 a year after aid ($39,332 over four years) against $57,103 in typical earnings a decade out, the cost takes about 8.1 years to earn back - roughly average.
How much does University of Illinois Springfield cost after financial aid?
The average net price - what students actually pay after grants and scholarships - is about $9,833 a year, or roughly $39,332 over four years. That is the number to plan around, not the sticker price. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do University of Illinois Springfield graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $57,103 ten years after enrolling, roughly $15,303 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off University of Illinois Springfield?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 8.1 years for University of Illinois Springfield. Most four-year schools we track land between 4 and 10 years.
How much debt do University of Illinois Springfield graduates take on?
Median debt at graduation is about $19,128, against $57,103 in typical earnings a decade out. That is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at University of Illinois Springfield?
The six-year graduation rate is 53.2%, below the 64% national average (NCES, 2022) - and not finishing is the fastest route to a poor return. Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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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.