At $15,201/yr net price, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $81,054/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $47,054/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,201 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $81,054/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$47,054/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 84.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,883/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,955/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,065/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,358/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Master | $138,932 | $18,835 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Doctoral | $134,287 | |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | Bachelor | $103,078 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $101,592 | $18,983 |
| Taxation. | Master | $99,404 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $95,930 | $37,154 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $93,033 | $50,712 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $87,604 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $84,100 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
84.9% of students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong financial returns, particularly if you pursue computer science or engineering. The school's median earnings of $81,054 after ten years substantially exceed the national average for public universities, while keeping debt loads manageable at just $19,500.
Computer science majors see the highest payoffs, earning nearly $139,000 annually with debt under $19,000. Electrical engineering and mathematics-computer science combinations also produce six-figure salaries. These technical programs benefit from Illinois' proximity to Chicago's tech sector and the university's strong industry connections in Silicon Valley.
The financial risk centers on program choice. While STEM fields thrive, liberal arts and social science majors face weaker job prospects in the regional market. The school's 85% graduation rate means one in six students never complete their degree, losing both time and money.
You should consider Illinois if you plan to study engineering, computer science, or business. The combination of relatively low in-state tuition and high earning potential in technical fields makes this one of the better ROI propositions among flagship state universities. Out-of-state students face higher costs that may not justify the premium unless pursuing top-tier programs.
Illinois offers limited need-based aid, with only 24% of students receiving assistance. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. Your best cost strategy involves securing in-state residency and choosing high-demand majors that command premium salaries in the Midwest job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the cost for computer science?
Yes, UIUC computer science graduates earn $138,932 on average, making it one of the highest-paying programs in the country. With a net price of $15,201 per year and median debt of $19,500, the return on investment is strong for CS majors.
What is the ROI for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates?
UIUC graduates earn $81,054 ten years after graduation with median debt of $19,500. The school offers good value, especially for engineering and computer science programs that significantly outperform the overall graduate average.
Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expensive compared to other public schools?
UIUC's net price of $15,201 per year is reasonable for a top-tier public university. The school's strong financial aid brings costs down from the sticker price, making it accessible for most families.
Do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates have high student debt?
UIUC graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. Engineering and computer science majors typically pay off loans quickly due to high starting salaries.