University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, Illinois · Public · 85.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
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 this batch 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 sticker price at University of Illinois Springfield is $12,252/year ($22,017/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 $9,833/year, or roughly $39,332 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $5,778/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $16,544/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,128 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $203 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,103 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.50 - well within manageable territory.
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
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 offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $9,833 per year leads to $39,332 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,103 a decade out. The payback period of 8.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,128 against $57,103 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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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.