At $8,916/yr net price, University of Illinois Springfield graduates earn $57,103/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,103/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,916 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,103/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,103/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,128 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,473/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,333/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,999/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,191/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,232/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $78,343 | $25,099 |
| Computer Systems Analysis. | Master | $75,989 | |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,399 | $24,925 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,579 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,392 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $20,228 |
| Public Health. | Master | $50,231 | $27,620 |
The Risk Factor
61.4% of students at University of Illinois Springfield graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Illinois Springfield delivers solid financial value with a low net price of under $9,000 annually and modest debt loads, making it one of Illinois's more affordable public options. Your median earnings potential of $57,103 creates a strong debt-to-income ratio that works in your favor.
Computer science programs dominate the earnings winners here, with graduates earning $78,343 and $60,399 depending on specialization. Business administration also performs well at $64,493, while legal studies reaches $74,576. These technical and professional programs justify the investment at UIS price points. However, the school's 61% graduation rate means four in ten students never complete their degree, turning what should be an affordable education into expensive debt without credentials.
Your biggest financial risk is the retention rate of 81%, which suggests academic support gaps that could derail your progress. Springfield's regional job market limits opportunities compared to Chicago, so you may need to relocate after graduation to maximize earnings in higher-paying fields like computer science.
UIS works best if you're pursuing computer science, business, or legal studies and can handle the academic demands. The low sticker price makes it worth the risk even for middle-income families who might not qualify for need-based aid elsewhere. Avoid this school if you're undecided on major or need extensive academic support, since the completion rates suggest students struggle more than at peer institutions.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your strategy should focus on completing your degree quickly in a high-earning program to capitalize on the low base cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Illinois Springfield worth the cost?
University of Illinois Springfield offers solid value with a relatively low net price of $8,916 annually and median debt of just $19,128. The 10-year earnings average of $57,103 provides decent returns, though the 61% graduation rate means significant dropout risk.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Illinois Springfield?
Computer science and systems analysis programs at UIS lead earnings at $75,000-78,000 annually, while business administration averages $64,493. These tech-focused programs offer the strongest ROI at the school.
How much student debt do University of Illinois Springfield graduates have?
UIS graduates carry a median debt of $19,128, which is manageable compared to many universities. The low annual net price of $8,916 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the job market like for University of Illinois Springfield graduates?
UIS graduates earn an average of $57,103 ten years after graduation, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. Computer science graduates see significantly higher earnings in the $75,000+ range.